What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a form of treatment in which thin, sterile needles are inserted into myofascial trigger points in muscle to relieve tension and reduce pain. Myofascial trigger points are hyperirritable nodules located within taut bands of skeletal muscle. These taut bands form to produce a normal protective response in the presence of actual or potential damage in the muscle. They can also occur in response to unaccustomed loading, sustained postures, and repetitive low-load stress. Active trigger points can spontaneously trigger local or referred pain, muscle weakness, and can alter muscle activation patterns leading to restricted range of motion.
Dry needling involves insertion of the needle into the muscle to reach the myofascial trigger point. This mechanism of treatment can elicit a “local twitch response” in the muscle, which is an involuntary reflex resulting in local contraction of the muscle being needled. This local twitch response can stimulate the muscle fibres leading to changes in the length and tension of the fibres.
Dry needling has a range of neural and biochemical effects that contribute to pain relief. Needling can release a range of neuroactive mediators which can inhibit nociceptive pain signals to help alter pain perception. Local tissue injury cause by the needle insertion can also influence increase blood flow and immune responses that can continue to pain relief.
The most common dry needling technique involves inserting the needle into a trigger point or targeted tissue and leaving the needle in place for 10-30 minutes. Alternatively, the needle can be inserted then repeatedly moved in and out while remaining in the muscle to reproduce a twitch response.
Trained clinicians can apply needles to several trigger points during each treatment session. Pain relief can last 3-4 days after the treatment session.
What are the Benefits?
Dry needling is an evidence-based technique that targets muscle tightness to restore tissue function and improve tissue healing. Some of the main benefits include:
- Pain relief
- Reduced muscle pain, spasm, and tightness
- Improved range of motion
- Promotes healthy blood flow to the muscle
- Improved recovery time from injury
- Improved relaxation
Dry needling vs acupuncture?
The terms “dry needling” and “acupuncture” are often used interchangeably to describe treatments using thin monofilament needles, without injecting any substance. While both treatments aim to improve physical well-being by using thin needles inserted into the skin, there are a few key differences.
One key difference between dry needling and acupuncture is the history behind each practice. Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medical treatment based on the belief that illness is a result of blocked energy, called Qi (pronounced “chi”). Acupuncture places an emphasis on holistic healing by placing needles on various points of the body following meridian lines to help stimulate energy and restore the flow of Qi. Dry needling is a form of modern Western medical treatment with a focus on treating physical dysfunction and pain, with a focus on treating myofascial trigger points in muscle. Dry needling can also be used to target joints, tendons, ligaments, bone and scar tissue.
Ready to Try Dry Needling?
Here at Restore Function Physiotherapy we have several physiotherapists who are trained and qualified to offer dry needling treatment.
However, we do not offer dry needling as a standalone treatment. We believe that dry needling can be a useful adjunct therapy to help maximise the benefit of other primary forms of treatment including manual therapy, soft tissue massage, stretching and strengthening exercises.
Please note that not everybody is suitable for dry needling treatment. There are certain medical conditions and diagnoses that are contraindicated for dry needling, including but not limited to pregnancy, heart failure, and recent surgeries.
Interested in booking an appointment at Restore Function Physiotherapy for Dry Needling? Call 3148-4417 to book now!