What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a treatment technique which involves the insertion of a thin filament needle into a myofascial trigger point, a tendon, ligament or close to a nerve.
Why dry needling?
As humans we often get taut bands of muscles due to several factors:
- Stress
- Postural abnormalities
- Overuse
- Muscle imbalances
- Nerve entrapment
To release these tight bands of muscles, we can insert a dry needle. This will often initiate a twitch response which changes the chemical composition inside the muscle, releasing the tightness. It can also stimulate healing and reduce pain and dysfunction. It is done without injecting any medication (hence the ‘dry’ needle terminology)
Is trigger point dry needling acupuncture?
The simple answer is no. Whilst both techniques use the same needle and often put these needles in very similar points of the body, dry needling is a more Westernised and evidence-based approach whilst acupuncture uses Chinese medicine theory and philosophy (meridians). Both techniques can be incredibly effective with a great practitioner.
Does dry needling hurt?
Dry needling is not like getting an injection. The needle is a lot thinner than a needle that injects you with fluid or medication, therefore most of the time you will not feel the needle penetrate the skin (avoiding that ‘not so nice’ stinging sensation). When the needle hits the trigger point, a deep muscle cramping sensation can be felt, as well as an involuntary twitch response being elicited. This twitch response is a good thing and what we want from a dry needle technique! It can feel odd for some, but most people tolerate the sensation quite well. Some after treatment soreness may be felt for an hour or so after treatment, yet this is usually described more like exhaustion of the muscle.
What does dry needling do to the body?
Neurophysiological effects:
- Decreased pain sensation
- Desensitisation of descending sensory pain pathways
- Brain activity alteration, improving mood and pain tolerance
Local mechanical effects:
- Increased local opioid response
- Decreased muscle tightness (increase flexibility)
Electromechanical effects:
- Improved neuromuscular activation and timing
Chemical effects:
- Improved blood flow (due to decrease muscular tightness)
- Inflammatory and immune response initiated
What conditions can dry needling be used for?
Dry needling can be used for any condition related to a tight muscle band. Here are some of the main conditions we use dry needling for:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Headaches
- Spinal pain - Neck, lower back and gluteal pain
- Hip and shoulder bursitis
- Shoulder rotator cuff injuries
- Carpal tunnel
- Tennis and golfer’s elbow
- AND many more!
Dry needling has been around since the 1950s, however it is only now becoming more widely known. It is currently very popular with athletes for the speed and efficiency of treatment, yet more and more people are using it in their treatment regimens at a local community level. If you would like to know more about dry needling or have a condition that may benefit from this treatment, Back In Motion Como will be able to help!
Website: https://www.backinmotion.com.au/como
Phone number: 9313 3414