About Dry Needling
Dry needling is a skilled intervention that uses a thin filiform needle to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points, muscular, and connective tissues for the management of neuromuscular pain and movement impairments. The technique involves the insertion of thin needles directly into muscle spasms to stimulate a healing response. When a muscle is inflamed or over-worked, it can become “stuck” in the contracted position. This causes a chronic, self-propagating problem that keeps the muscle tight and dysfunctional. The muscle will be weaker, less flexible, and increase risk of injury. Dry needling will look to “reset” the muscle spasm and allow it to function normally by restoring its natural chemical and physiological environment.
FAQs
What is dry needling? Is it for me?
Dry needling treatment is a technique which involves the insertion of thin monofilament needles by a certified and skilled clinician directly into trigger points (muscle spasms) in order to stimulate healing response in painful musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions. It is beneficial for anyone suffering from neuromusculoskeletal or myofascial pain and movement impairments.
Why do we do it?
To address muscle spasms. When a muscle or motor unit is inflamed or over-worked, it can become “stuck” in the contracted position. This causes a chronic, self-propagated problem that keeps the muscle tight, taut, and dysfunctional. In addition to causing pain, the muscle will be weaker, less flexibility, and increase risk of injury. Dry needling will look to “reset” the muscle spasm and allow it to function normally by restoring its natural chemical and physiological environment.
How is it different from acupuncture?
Dry needling and acupuncture are two very different treatments. Acupuncture is derived from Oriental Medicine with the purpose of altering the flow of energy (“QI”) along traditional Chinese meridians for the treatment of disease. In contrast, dry needling is a modern, scientific, evidence-based intervention for the treatment of pain and dysfunction in musculoskeletal conditions.
How does it work?
The term “dry” is indicative of the needle itself; there is no medication or fluid being injected into the body. Dry needling works by causing a microlesion within the pathological tissue thus breaking shortened tissues, inhibiting a reflex arc from the nervous system to the tissue, normalizing the inflammatory response, and centrally mediating the pain. This mechanical and neuromuscular effect essentially provided an environment that enhances the body’s ability to heal which ultimately reduces pain.
Is it safe? Is it painful?
Dry needling is very safe. We have been specially level 3 certified by Myopain Seminars with > 8 years of experience in dry needling. The needles are sterile and disposable. The fine filament needle is very thin, solid, and flexible, which helps to reduce any discomfort that may occur with the insertion. We strive to make the treatment comfortable, however at times a local twitch response of the muscle or reproduction of referred pain may be felt (momentarily). Many patients describe this twitch response as a little electric shock, cramp, or aching sensation. These sensations are perfectly normal and even a desirable response for the treatment to be effective.
How will I feel after the treatment?
This will vary but many patients experience immediate relief of their symptoms and an increase in range of motion. Soreness and achiness can be a common response from the needling but does not occur with all individuals. The soreness will usually last 1-2 days. Mild bruising may occur at the needling sites and is more prevalent in certain parts of the body.