Benefits and Uses of Dry Needling Treatment

I have had a lot of questions about Dry Needling. What it is? What it does? How it works? Etc etc. Hopefully this provides all the information you would like to know about Dry Needling, however if you have any questions about anything that hasn’t been covered then please get in contact.

Introduction:

In the realm of physical therapy and pain management, various techniques have emerged to address musculoskeletal conditions and alleviate discomfort. One such method gaining attention is dry needling treatment. While relatively new compared to other modalities, dry needling has demonstrated effectiveness in managing pain, improving muscle function, and enhancing overall well-being. In this blog, we'll delve into the principles, benefits, uses, and considerations surrounding dry needling treatment.

Understanding Dry Needling:

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique performed by trained healthcare professionals. Unlike acupuncture, which originates from traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is rooted in Western medicine principles. It involves the insertion of thin needles into specific trigger points within muscles, tendons, or fascia, without injecting any medication (hence the term "dry").

How Does Dry Needling Work?

The primary objective of dry needling is to target trigger points, also known as knots or areas of tightness within muscle tissue. These trigger points can cause pain locally or refer pain to other areas of the body. By inserting a needle directly into these trigger points, practitioners aim to elicit a local twitch response - a brief involuntary contraction of the muscle. This response helps release tension, improve blood flow, and promote healing in the affected tissues.

Benefits of Dry Needling Treatment:

1. Pain Relief: Dry needling can effectively reduce both acute and chronic pain associated with various musculoskeletal conditions, such as myofascial pain syndrome, neck pain, back pain, tendonitis, and sports injuries.

2. Improved Range of Motion: By releasing tightness and tension in muscles, dry needling can enhance flexibility and mobility, allowing individuals to move more freely and perform daily activities with greater ease.

3. Muscle Function and Performance: Athletes and individuals involved in physical activities can benefit from dry needling to address muscle imbalances, improve muscle activation patterns, and optimize performance while reducing the risk of injury.

4. Complementary Therapy: Dry needling can be integrated into comprehensive treatment plans alongside other modalities such as manual therapy, exercise therapy, and ergonomic modifications to address the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction.

Uses of Dry Needling Treatment:

Dry needling can be utilized to address a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

• Myofascial pain syndrome

• Neck pain and headaches

• Back pain and sciatica

• Shoulder impingement syndrome

• Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow

• Knee pain

• Plantar fasciitis

The needle:

At Resolute Health we use single use individually packaged needles. This is for hygiene and safety. Each needle is used once and when taken out of the skin it is discarded into a sharps box and disposed of safely and correctly. There are different sizes of needles in terms of thickness and length. The needles used are small enough to fit inside of an “injection” needle, which shows how thin they are. The tip is rounded, this is so when the needle is inserted it doesn’t damage the muscle. Depending on what muscle you are having dry needling treatment on will determine the length of needle being used. Thicker muscles will need a longer needle to get into some of the deeper muscle fibres, thinner muscles require a shorter needle.

If you would like to see a needle prior to any dry needling treatment, then please ask Alex and he will be happy to show you one. Some people like to see whereas others do not, this is personal preference.

Considerations:

Before undergoing dry needling treatment, it's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional who is trained and experienced in the technique, within Resolute Health, currently this is Alex. He will assess your condition, discuss treatment goals, and address any concerns or questions you may have. Additionally, while dry needling is generally safe, some individuals may experience mild soreness, bruising, or temporary aggravation of symptoms following treatment. This is completely normal!

There are certain health conditions where dry needling wouldn’t be recommended so please make sure you let Alex or any other treatment therapist know all of your health conditions.

In conclusion, dry needling treatment offers a promising approach to managing pain, restoring function, and enhancing quality of life for individuals dealing with musculoskeletal issues. By targeting trigger points and promoting natural healing mechanisms within the body, dry needling serves as a valuable tool in the multidisciplinary field of physical therapy and pain management. If you're considering dry needling as a treatment option, speak to Alex and he will go through all the options with you to discuss the best treatment plan with you.