Description

Dry needling is a technique physiotherapists use for the treatment of pain and movement impairments. The technique uses a “dry” needle, one without medication or injection, inserted through the skin into areas of the muscle. Dry needling is not acupuncture, a practice based on traditional Chinese medicine and performed by acupuncturists. Dry needling is a part of modern Western medicine principles. Inserting an acupuncture-like needle into the trigger point relaxes the muscles, boosts blood flow, diminishes inflammation, and triggers a healing response. This treatment also improves nerve communication and activates the release of your body’s natural pain relievers. Be Strong and Healthy A trigger point is a small area of tightly knotted muscle fibers. These knots develop when the muscle contracts and then doesn’t relax. In addition to creating a painful, hard, knot, the ongoing muscle contraction also pinches your nerves and blood vessels. So, what causes a trigger point? These knots often develop due to: Repetitive muscle movements Lifting heavy weights or objects Poor posture Direct injury Tense muscles Chronic stress Does Dry Needling Hurt? Yes, dry needling does hurt to some degree, but the pain is only fleeting and should pass within seconds. Upon insertion of the needle into a specific trigger point you should feel an initial sting of pain, but this only lasts about a second. The insertion of the dry needle should bring on a twitching response in the muscle, as previously mentioned. This can sometimes result in a dull, deep ache or a cramping sensation within the targeted muscle during the therapy session. Post dry needling therapy your muscles may feel sensitive or ache. However, this is generally a good sign that the therapy has done its job! What Can I Expect Post Treatment? While some patients report relief from pain and tension after just one session, multiple sessions are best for maximum results. It is definitely possible to experience a renewed range-of-motion after one dry needling session. Although consistent therapy is required to fully heal a chronic or long-term strain. After each needling session, you will most likely feel sore and tender in both the treated muscle and surrounding area. This tenderness can last a few hours or up to two days post-therapy. Pain can be alleviated with an ice pack or heat. What Kind of Needles Are Used During Dry Needling? Dry needling makes use of sterilized, ultra-thin filiform needles which are designed to specifically penetrate your skin, down to the muscle. These needles are used to successfully stimulate myofascial trigger points in the muscles, as well as muscular and connective tissues. These needles are ideal as they allow physical therapists to target such specific points within a muscle group which cannot otherwise be accessed. Dry needling makes use of sterilized, ultra-thin filiform needles which are designed to specifically penetrate your skin, down to the muscle. These needles are used to successfully stimulate myofascial trigger points in the muscles, as well as muscular and connective tissues. These needles are ideal as they allow physical therapists to target such specific points within a muscle group which cannot otherwise be accessed. During each session, a therapist is required to wear gloves and personal protective equipment to ensure a sterile working atmosphere. Used needles are then disposed of in a medical sharps collector.