Dry needling has become a common tool in physiotherapy, however the mechanisms behind this effective technique are often misrepresented, or misunderstood. Dry needling is not the same as acupuncture, though it does use the same style of needle. Despite this technique being invasive, when applied skillfully, it is a very safe and effective technique that can help alleviate pain, improve movement, and promote healing. If you’ve been struggling with chronic pain or tension in your muscles, this therapy might be exactly what you need.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a technique used by trained physiotherapists to treat orthopaedic conditions, muscle pain, neuropathic pain and other movement dysfunctions in the body. It is a standardised procedure in which a thin, sterile needle is inserted into specific areas of tight muscle fibers, also known as trigger points. These trigger points develop in the body as a protective mechanism in response to tissue overload, acute injury or spinal nerve root dysfunction.
It is important to note that this anatomical approach to needling differs from acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on energy flow (Qi), channels and meridians within the body, and physiotherapists do not perform acupuncture, unless they have undergone the traditional training.
When is Dry Needling Useful?
Dry needling can be a highly effective treatment for a variety of conditions, especially when other conservative therapies have not yielded significant relief. Some of the common reasons people seek dry needling include:
- Chronic Muscle Pain: Conditions like myofascial pain syndrome, where trigger points cause persistent muscle pain, can be alleviated through dry needling.
- Sports Injuries: Whether it’s a strained muscle, ligament, or tendon, dry needling can help reduce pain and speed up recovery.
- Neck and Back Pain: Tension in the muscles surrounding the neck and lower back can often be resolved through dry needling techniques.
- Neuropathic pain: Pain that is generated from the spinal nerves can cause dysfunction in the muscles surrounding that spinal segment, as well as trigger points in all the muscles down stream that the nerve root supplies. Dry needling is an effective way to desensitise the whole nerve pathway, reducing pain and in some cases restoring normal function of the nerve.
- Headaches and Migraines: Trigger points in the neck, shoulders, or upper back can sometimes contribute to headache pain, and dry needling can address these areas.
- Limited Range of Motion: By targeting muscle tightness, dry needling can help restore normal movement patterns and flexibility.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
Firstly, your physiotherapist should do a thorough assessment to identify the muscles and joint segments that are involved in the dysfunction. The therapist will insert the sterile needle into the identified trigger point, and then manipulate the needle to induce a Local Twitch Response. This is an involuntary contraction of the muscle that resets the chemical environment, by using up excessive contrite chemicals that are built up in the muscle. It is often described as a “cramp like” sensation. By achieving this twitch response, supersensitive structures are desensitised, which restores normal muscle function, reduces pain and normalises muscle tone. This then gives a window of opportunity for the patient to move more normally, with less pain and they can also then complete any exercises necessary for the rehab of their condition.
Some physiotherapists may choose to leave a needle in situ for a short amount of time after they have achieved the twitch response. This can help relax the muscle after treatment, but is not a necessary element to achieve a successful outcome.
Is Dry Needling Safe?
When performed by a suitably trained and certified physiotherapist, dry needling is considered a safe and effective treatment. The needles used are very thin, and they are designed specifically for this technique, minimizing any discomfort during the process. While some individuals may experience temporary soreness or bruising, these side effects are usually mild and resolve quickly. Prior to treatment, your physiotherapist will discuss with you in person any more specific contraindications/precautions to receiving this treatment modality and give you time to consider whether it is right for you.
Conclusion
Dry needling is an effective, targeted approach to treating muscle pain, improving mobility, desensitising muscles and nerves and restoring normal tone and function within the muscle. If you’re dealing with chronic pain, muscle tightness, or an injury, it might be worth discussing with your physiotherapist whether dry needling is right for you. Contact our clinic today to learn more and see how dry needling can help you on your journey to recovery!
