Table of Contents
- Written By Daniel Muntz (Physiotherapist)
- Last Updated On 15 June 2023
What is dry needling therapy?
Dry needling therapy, also known as trigger point dry needling or intramuscular stimulation, is a technique used by physiotherapists, chiropractors, and other healthcare professionals to treat muscle pain and dysfunction.
How is dry needling done?
Fine needles, similar to those used in acupuncture, are inserted directly into the trigger points or taut bands of muscle. The insertion can cause a local twitch response, which is an involuntary reflexive muscle contraction followed by relaxation.
What are the benefits of dry needling therapy?
Dry needling therapy aims to release trigger points, which are tight knots or bands of muscle fibers that can cause pain and restricted movement. These trigger points may develop due to muscle overuse, injury, or other factors.
Dry needling offers several potential benefits as a treatment approach for various musculoskeletal conditions. Here are some of the key benefits associated with dry needling:
- Pain Relief: Dry needling can help alleviate pain by targeting trigger points and releasing muscle tension. By inserting needles into specific areas, it can stimulate the nervous system, promote blood flow, and trigger the release of natural pain-relieving substances, such as endorphins.
- Improved Muscle Function: By releasing tight muscles and reducing trigger points, dry needling can contribute to improved muscle function. It can help restore proper muscle activation, improve range of motion, and enhance overall muscle performance.
- Increased Circulation: Dry needling promotes increased blood flow to the treated area, which can facilitate the delivery of oxygen, nutrients, and healing factors to the tissues. Improved circulation can aid in tissue repair and recovery.
- Faster Recovery: When used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, dry needling can help expedite the healing process. By targeting dysfunctional areas, it can accelerate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and support faster recovery from musculoskeletal injuries or conditions.
- Non-Pharmacological Approach: Dry needling offers a non-pharmacological option for pain management. It provides a drug-free alternative or complement to pain medications, allowing individuals to potentially reduce reliance on painkillers or avoid side effects associated with long-term medication use.
What conditions call for dry needling therapy?
Dry needling is used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and associated symptoms. Here are some common conditions that can be addressed with dry needling therapy:
- Muscle Strains and Injuries: Dry needling may be used as part of the rehabilitation process for muscle strains and injuries. It can help reduce muscle tension, promote healing, and improve range of motion.
- Tension Headaches and Migraines: Dry needling can be beneficial in managing tension headaches and migraines by targeting trigger points in the muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders. It aims to relieve muscle tension and reduce headache frequency and intensity.
- Neck and Back Pain: Dry needling is commonly employed to address neck and back pain, including conditions like cervicalgia, whiplash-associated disorders, and chronic low back pain. It targets trigger points and promotes muscle relaxation and pain relief in these areas.
- Joint Pain and Dysfunction: Dry needling can be used alongside other treatments to manage pain and dysfunction related to joint conditions such as osteoarthritis, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and rotator cuff injuries.
- Sports Injuries: Dry needling is often incorporated into sports injury rehabilitation programs. It can help address pain, muscle imbalances, and movement dysfunctions associated with sports-related injuries like strains, sprains, and overuse injuries.
For instance, dry needling can be an effective treatment approach for individuals with tennis elbow, a condition characterised by pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow. In dry needling for tennis elbow, thin needles are inserted into specific trigger points within the affected muscles, such as the extensor muscles of the forearm to help release tension, muscle tightness and promote healing. When used in conjunction with other therapy treatments such as manual therapy and exercise, dry needling can be a valuable component of a comprehensive treatment plan for tennis elbow.
If you’re considering dry needling for tennis elbow, it’s essential to consult with a qualified allied health professional to confirm if this is the right treatment choice based on your pain symptoms. Chat to one of our physios at Pro-Form physiotherapy today and learn more about how we can help you in your recovery journey. - Chronic Pain Conditions: Dry needling can be considered as part of a multidisciplinary approach for managing chronic pain conditions like neuropathic pain, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and myofascial pain syndromes.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Dry needling is often considered individuals suffering from plantar fasciitis, a condition characterised by heel pain and inflammation. In dry needling for plantar fasciitis, fine needles are inserted into trigger points and tight muscle bands in the foot and calf regions that help alleviate pain, and promote muscle relaxation. Dry needling for plantar fasciitis patients helps to stimulate blood flow, increase local tissue oxygenation, and encourage the release of natural pain-relieving substances in their bodies. When combined with other treatments such as stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and footwear modifications, dry needling may prove to be an effective element within the treatment plan for plantar fasciitis.
- Sciatica: People dealing with sciatica pain are often recommended dry needling therapy to help relieve tension and pain around the lower back and buttock and leg. Dry needling for sciatica involves the insertion of fine needles into trigger points and tight muscle bands in the affected areas, such as the glutes, lower back, and hip muscles. By targeting these trigger points, dry needling aims to release muscle tension, reduce compression on the sciatic nerve, and alleviate pain.
Dry needling for sciatica pain, when done with other forms of treatment like manual therapy, heat and ice therapy, stretching and strengthening of the lower body limbs, can prove to be an effective component within a treatment program for sciatica.
It’s important to note that the use of dry needling should be based on a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis by a qualified healthcare professional trained in the technique. They will assess your specific condition and determine if dry needling is a suitable treatment option for you.
How effective is dry needling?
Dry needling can be effective in managing and reducing pain associated with certain musculoskeletal conditions. However, the effectiveness of dry needling can vary depending on the individual, the specific condition being treated, and various other factors.
The effectiveness of dry needling can also vary depending on the condition being treated. It has shown promising results in conditions like muscle strains, tension headaches, and certain types of chronic pain. However, research regarding its effectiveness for other conditions is still evolving, and more studies are needed to establish its efficacy.
Moreover, the response to dry needling can vary among individuals. Factors such as the severity and chronicity of the condition, overall health, and individual differences in pain perception may influence the effectiveness of the treatment. Some individuals may experience significant pain relief and improved function, while others may have more modest results.
The effectiveness of dry needling can be optimised by tailoring the treatment to each individual’s specific needs. This includes accurately identifying the trigger points, selecting appropriate needle insertion techniques, and considering other factors that may contribute to the condition, such as posture, movement patterns, and lifestyle habits.
The effectiveness of dry needling also depends on the performing practitioner or the dry needling physio. Dry needling should be performed by a licensed healthcare professional who has received proper training and certification in the technique. This ensures that the practitioner has a comprehensive understanding of anatomy, sterile needling techniques, and safety protocols.
Is dry needling therapy safe?
Dry needling is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified and trained healthcare professional who has a comprehensive understanding of anatomy and needling techniques. There is a minimal risk of infection associated with dry needling when performed under a sterile environment with strict infection control measures in place.
Our physiotherapists at Pro-Form have certifications and several years of experience in dry needling and how it can help promote your recovery. Consult with one of our physios today to learn more about dry needling and whether it is a suitable treatment option for your condition.
Are there any side effects to dry needling?
During dry needling, you may experience sensations such as a mild ache, muscle twitching, or a feeling of heaviness. Some individuals may also have temporary soreness, bruising or mild bleeding at the needle insertion sites. These side effects are usually mild and resolve on their own.
For some individuals, dry needling can cause temporary discomfort or pain. However, the discomfort is typically brief and tolerable. It’s important to communicate with the practitioner during the procedure to ensure your comfort level.
Serious complications are rare but can include infection or organ puncture if performed incorrectly.
Is dry needling therapy for me?
As we have seen, there are several benefits to dry needling including pain relief, and accelerating recovery. If you have never had dry needling done before, it can be intimidating to consider at first. However, at Pro-Form, our dry needling physios provide you with proper guidance that can help ease the tensions around the procedure and give you clarity on what to expect during your first session.
On the other hand, dry needling may not be suitable for everyone. It is important to let your dry needling physio know if you’re pregnant, have been diagnosed with bleeding disorders, diabetes, local infections, or if you have a fear of needles.
At Pro-Form, we ensure to take your physical as well as mental state into consideration when advising treatment options for your condition. As for dry needling, we ideally will assess your medical history and condition to determine if it is an appropriate treatment for you.
Frequently Asked Questions on Dry Needling Therapy
During your first dry needling session, the therapist will assess your condition, discuss your medical history, and identify trigger points or areas of muscle tension. They’ll then insert thin needles into these points, which might cause a slight discomfort or muscle twitch. After the session, you might experience temporary soreness or muscle fatigue. Subsequent sessions will focus on addressing these trigger points and gradually improving your muscle function and pain levels.
Dry needling sensations can vary. While some people feel only minimal discomfort during insertion, others may experience a brief ache or muscle twitch. After the session, you might have temporary soreness, similar to post-workout muscle fatigue. Overall, the discomfort is usually short-lived and many find the benefits of reduced muscle tension and pain worth the temporary sensations experienced during dry needling.
Dry needling and acupuncture are distinct techniques. Dry needling targets trigger points in muscles to alleviate pain and improve muscle function. It’s primarily based on Western medicine principles. Acupuncture, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, focuses on balancing energy flow through meridians using thin needles to treat various conditions, including pain. Which is better depends on your preference and the issue you’re addressing. Acupuncture offers a holistic approach, while dry needling is more localized. Consult practitioners for advice based on your needs. Keep in mind that individual experiences can vary, and both methods have shown benefits for certain conditions.
The frequency of dry needling sessions can vary depending on factors such as your specific condition, the severity of the issue, and how your body responds to treatment. In general, the initial sessions might be more frequent, such as once or twice a week, to address the immediate concerns and establish a baseline improvement. As you progress and experience relief, the frequency could decrease to every two weeks or even once a month for maintenance. Your healthcare provider or therapist will typically guide you on the recommended schedule based on your individual needs and progress.
Whether dry needling is better than massage depends on the specific issue you’re addressing and your personal preferences.
Dry needling targets trigger points in muscles and can provide quick relief from muscle tension and pain. It’s especially effective for certain conditions like myofascial pain syndrome.
Massage, on the other hand, offers relaxation, improved blood circulation, and overall stress reduction. It can address a broader range of issues including muscle tension, stress, and general well-being.
Both techniques have their merits, and the choice might come down to your specific needs and comfort level. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help determine which approach is more suitable for you.
If you have a fear of needles and want alternatives to dry needling, there are several options you can consider:
Manual Therapy: Physical therapists can use hands-on techniques like manual manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, and stretching to address muscle tension and pain.
Massage Therapy: Massage can provide similar benefits to dry needling, such as muscle relaxation and pain relief, without the use of needles.
Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area can help reduce muscle tension and alleviate pain.
Electrotherapy: Techniques like TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) use electrical impulses to relieve pain and stimulate muscles.
Stretching and Exercise: Your therapist can guide you through specific stretches and exercises to improve muscle flexibility, strength, and overall function.
Cupping: Cupping therapy uses suction cups to create a vacuum effect on the skin, which can help improve blood flow and alleviate muscle tension.
Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter creams and gels containing ingredients like menthol or capsaicin can provide localized pain relief.
It’s important to communicate your fear of needles with your healthcare provider so they can tailor their approach to your comfort level and help you explore suitable alternatives.
