Dry needling is a technique that is employed by acupuncturists, physical therapists, and other professionals in the healthcare sector to address myofascial pain and motor control issues. It is usually applied together with other pain management strategies such as physiotherapy, exercises, and massage. Dry needle treatment involves the insertion of thin, sharp needles into the skin in order to access the myofascial trigger points. Understanding the dry needle therapy process provides insight into its applications, benefits, and potential side effects, helping you make informed decisions about incorporating it into your pain management plan.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling involves the application of needles on specific muscle regions called trigger points with the aim of reducing pain and improving flexibility. The term “myofascial” is a combination of “myo”, meaning muscle, and “fascia”, meaning the connective tissue surrounding the muscles. Trigger points are hyperirritable spots in muscles that cause tenderness and pain and referred pain in other parts of the body. This technique is applied to reduce muscle contraction, improve blood flow and get rid of direct and referred pain originating from these points.
How Does Dry Needling Therapy Work?
When muscles are overused or injured, they can get into an energy crisis, where blood flow becomes insufficient. This lack of blood flow implies that the muscle does not get the oxygen and nutrients required to restore its normal state. As a result, the pH level of the tissue near the trigger point decreases (acidic), making the nerves more sensitive, and the area feels sore and painful. When a trigger point is stimulated with a needle, normal blood flow is resumed, the acidic environment is washed out, and muscle tension is released. The prick of the needle also stimulates nerve fibres, and the brain releases endorphins, which are natural pain relievers. After the needle is placed, the therapist may twirl the needle slightly to get a local twitch response, which is an indication that the muscle is responding to the dry needle therapy.
Some patients may feel better and have reduced pain and stiffness after the dry needle therapy session is over. However, for other people, it may take several sessions to see the results of the treatment.
Dry Needling: Benefits and Side Effects
There are several dry needling benefits. It is inexpensive, mostly safe, and can easily help in the release of the trigger points, thus reducing muscle pain and stiffness and increasing flexibility and mobility. However, there are some possible dry needling side effects. A person may experience complications such as soreness/pain during and after the treatment, stiffness, swelling, bruising at site of insertion, dizziness, and tiredness. While not common, complications like infection or pneumothorax (collapsed lung) can happen, so it is crucial to make sure your provider is skilled.
Does Dry Needling Hurt?
The dry needle treatment procedure may cause some pain. Trigger points are usually sensitive, and therefore, palpation of the points may be uncomfortable. When the needles are inserted, you may experience a pinprick sensation, but since the needles are very fine, the sensation is usually mild. After dry needle treatment, it is advisable to keep the area active and perform some stretching exercises to help with the healing process.
What Conditions Can Dry Needling Treat?
Dry needle therapy is useful in the treatment of joint and disk problems, tendonitis, migraines, and tension headaches. It can also be used for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, whiplash, and repetitive motion disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, spinal conditions, pelvic pain, and night cramps. Also, it offers treatment for other chronic pain, including phantom limb pain and postherpetic neuralgia, which is a complication of shingles. This effective therapy focuses on musculoskeletal pain and is an effective way of treating pain without the use of medications.
Who Should Not Undergo Dry Needling?
Dry needling therapy may not be safe for everyone. Here is a group of individuals who should avoid getting this therapy:
- Pregnant individuals
- Children below the age of 12
- People with a severe fear of needles (trypanophobia)
- People with compromised immune systems
- Recent surgery patients
- People on blood thinning medications
Conclusion
Overall, dry needling benefits are promising for the treatment of muscle pain and increasing the range of motion. It may be slightly uncomfortable and may take several sessions to get the best results, but it can be a part of the pain management plan. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare provider to determine whether dry needling is safe for you.
