The Benefits of Dry Needling
Often utilised in remedial massage, physiotherapy, and chiropractic, dry needling is a powerful tool used to treat sore and tight muscles.
What is dry needling?
Dry needling involves the use of an acupuncture needle, to help treat myofascial trigger points, and disorders involving connective and scar tissue.
Before dry needling, the tissue structure is usually first massaged to reduce general muscular tension. After the general muscle tension is relieved, what often remains are those nasty stubborn “knots” or trigger points. These are normally the target of the needle.
Before inserting the acupuncture needle, the area is sterilised, using an alcohol swab. The needle is then carefully inserted by the therapist, who changes depth and angle of the needle, depending on the desired treatment outcome. Once inserted, the needle remains in the tissue for 1-5 minutes, before being removed.
How does dry needling ease pain and tightness?
Dry needling is effective in relieving pain and improving quality of life in patients with muscle pain.
Dry needling aids in:
Relaxation of hyperactive muscles
Reduction of sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity
Improvement of localised bloodflow
Removal of nociceptive substances (‘pain’-inducing chemicals)
Encourages tissue healing and remodelling
Due to its invasive nature, some risks of dry needling include; pain, bruising, bleeding or cutaneous infection. These adverse events are minimal and rare, particularly when needling is administered by a qualified practitioner, with proper technique and sterilised equipment.
Other therapeutic modalities can be utilised afterwards if the therapist believes it is clinically relevant. These include; stretching to help lengthen the muscle, or massage over the needled area to increase blood flow.
For further information, our certified chiropractors and physiotherapists are always happy to answer questions, and discuss whether dry needling is beneficial for you.
References:
Abbaszadeh-Amirdehi, Ansari N, Naghdi S, Olyaei G, Nourbakhsh MR. Therapeutic effects of dry needling in patients with upper trapezius myofascial trigger points. Acupunct Med. 2017 Apr;35(2):85-92. doi: 10.1136/acupmed-2016-011082. Epub 2016 Oct 3.
Kietrys DM1, Palombaro KM, Azzaretto E, Hubler R, Schaller B, Schlussel JM, Tucker M. Effectiveness of dry needling for upper-quarter myofascial pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2013 Sep;43(9):620-34. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2013.4668.
Tekin L1, Akarsu S, Durmuş O, Cakar E, Dinçer U, Kıralp MZ. The effect of dry needling in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome: a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial.Clin Rheumatol. 2013 Mar;32(3):309-15. doi: 10.1007/s10067-012-2112-3. Epub 2012 Nov 9.
James Cumming
Physiotherapist
