Dry Needling has gained widespread popularity recently. Even if you haven’t heard of it or have never tried it, it is very likely that your physical therapist will recommend dry needling as a treatment method.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry Needling is also known as intramuscular stimulation, a modern treatment tool used to ease pain, increase blood circulation and reduce muscles tension.
This technique involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin, targeting areas of muscle known as trigger points.
Is Dry Needling the same as Acupuncture?
Actually it is the same needle and brand. But Dry Needling follows a different technique.
Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on balancing the energy flow of the body, unlike Dry Needling which aims to directly target muscle tissue, affecting muscle tension, and pain levels.
In Acupuncture, the needles should stay for a long time after the insertion, unlike the dry needles (few seconds to few minutes)
How Does Dry Needling Work?
The process involves inserting a needle directly into a trigger point. Despite the fact of inserting a needle into you body, the procedure is usually not painful. You may feel a slight pinch as the needle is inserted, followed by a sensation known as a “muscle twitch.” Which is a very good sign (indicates that the needle has successfully stimulated the trigger point), every therapist wants to achieve this and sometimes patients themselves are aiming to feel that twitch despite the pain!
Benefits of dry needling:
- Pain reduction
- Improve mobility
- Reduce muscle tension
- Increase blood circulation to the soft tissue
What conditions can dry needling treat?
- Chronic back pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder impingement
- Tennis elbow
- Headaches and migraines
- And any musculoskeletal related issue
Is Dry Needling Safe and what you should expect after your session?
It is a safe procedure. However, like all treatments, it can have side effects, although they are minor and short-lived. Here are the side effects you might face after the session
- muscle soreness for the first 24 hours
- minor bleeding or bruising at the insertion sites
- temporary fatigue
Although needles may initially seem frightening, one can overcome these fears by being aware of the procedure and advantages. Although there are a few small and transient adverse effects, like muscular discomfort or bruising, the procedure is generally safe.
Dry Needling can be a useful addition to your treatment regimen, regardless of whether you're battling persistent back pain or sports injuries. Always seek advice from a licensed physiotherapist to make sure the strategy is customized to meet your unique needs. For more information on Dry Needling or to book an appointment, consult our team of experts at Healthagon.
