Discovering Dry Needling and How It Can Help You!

Dry Needling: What It Is, How It Works, and How It Can Help You!

The Dry Needling technique is used widely by trained Physiotherapists to quickly and effectively release tension in a muscle which could be causing musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This treatment stems from the Traditional Chinese Medicine style of Acupuncture, but the way in which the needle is used is slightly different. Dry Needling is grounded in Western Medicine principles and targets myofascial trigger points within a muscle to release it. Let’s delve into this popular and useful Physiotherapy technique offered at Embark Physical Therapy & Wellness to better understand how it works, what to expect, what conditions it’s commonly used for and ultimately how it can get you out of pain!

What are the Benefits of Dry Needling?

• Muscle tightness and tension release
• Reduces pain and improves range of motion
• Improves the muscles neuromuscular control
• Take pressure off of inflamed structures providing immediate relief
• Local increase in blood flow bringing oxygen, nutrients and healing cells to the area
• Endorphin release helping with immediate pain relief

How Does Dry Needling Work?

The primary goal of Dry Needling is to release tight, knotted areas within the muscle known as ‘trigger points’. These trigger points can develop as a result of overuse, injury, or chronic muscle tension. When a needle is inserted into these points, it stimulates a local twitch response—an involuntary contraction of the muscle fibers. This is believed to help reset the muscle's neuromuscular control and release tension which reduces pain and improves range of motion. The insertion of the needle into the muscle will also increase blood flow which brings oxygen, nutrients and healing cells to that area.

To ensure a patient centered and safe treatment, the Physiotherapist will go through a series of steps when administering the Dry Needling treatment:

1. Assessment: The Physiotherapist will do a full assessment and identify if Dry Needling is an appropriate treatment technique. A full health history will be taken, as well as an explanation of the technique and what to expect. They will assesses the patient’s muscle function and identify the trigger points in the muscle.
2. Consent: The Physiotherapist will gain your informed consent for this treatment.
3. Needle Insertion: The area will be thoroughly sanitized before the treatment. Then a thin needle is carefully inserted into the identified trigger point. The needle is moved around slightly to target all effected fibres of the muscle. This usually lasts between 5 and 20 seconds.
4. Twitch Response: The needle may cause a brief, local contraction of the muscle which could feel slightly uncomfortable to some patients.
5. Post-Treatment: The needle is removed, and the Physiotherapist will give you instructions for ‘after care’ which may include gentle stretches, heat and temporary activity modifications.

What to Expect During and After a Session

During a session of Dry Needling the patient might experience a sharp sensation as the needle is inserted. Then a twitch response in the muscle can happen which can be slightly uncomfortable, but subsides quickly. After the session, it’s common to experience some soreness or bruising at the needle site, but this generally resolves within a few days. Patients are often advised to drink plenty of water, engage in light stretching, and avoid strenuous activities immediately after treatment to maximize the benefits and minimize any potential discomfort. If appropriate, your Physiotherapist may also advise you use the application of heat to the area to help with any muscle soreness.

What Conditions Can Dry Needling Help With?

Dry needling can be beneficial for a range of musculoskeletal conditions including:

1. Myofascial Pain Syndrome: This condition is characterized by muscle pain and trigger points, making dry needling an effective treatment option to alleviate pain and improve function.
2. Chronic Pain: Conditions such as fibromyalgia or chronic back pain often involve persistent muscle tension and trigger points, which Dry Needling can help to address.
3. Muscle Strains and Sprains: Dry Needling can facilitate recovery by addressing muscle tightness and improving blood flow to injured areas.
4. Tension Headaches: For individuals whose headaches are related to muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, Dry Needling may provide relief by targeting and releasing the involved muscles.
5. Repetitive Strain Injuries: Conditions like tennis elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome, which are often related to muscle imbalances and overuse, can benefit from the muscle relaxation and pain relief provided by Dry Needling.
6. Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Dry Needling can aid in the recovery process by addressing residual muscle tightness and improving mobility after surgery.

Conclusion

Dry Needling should always be performed by a highly trained and experienced Physiotherapist which decreases any risk associated with this technique. If you think Dry Needling is right for you, book an appointment with our Physiotherapist at Embark and we can discuss it with you!

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written by Ali Dings, BSc Kin, MSc PT, Registered Physiotherapist

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