Dry Needling. What’s all the fuss about?

Perhaps you have never heard of dry needling before, or maybe you have and are wondering what exactly it is or if it’s something that might help you. Either way, you have come to the right place.

Dry Needling has been steadily gaining popularity over the last decade and is now a widely available form of treatment for certain types of neuromusculoskeletal pain.

Did you say needles?

While the name of the procedure may sound intimidating, dry needling is a safe and minimally uncomfortable procedure. It’s referred to as “dry” needling because it is done without any medications or injections. Dry needling involves a thin filiform needle, the same as used in acupuncture. The small, flexible needle penetrates the skin and stimulates underlying myofascial trigger points and connective tissues. The needle allows a physical therapist to target tissues they are not able to reach with their hands. Physical therapists wear gloves and personal protective equipment when dry needling. The used sterile needles are disposed of in a medical sharps collector.

 Trigger Points

So, what is a trigger point? A trigger point is a local contracture or tight band in a muscle fiber that can disrupt function, restrict the range of motion, refer pain, or cause local tenderness. When dry needling is applied to a dysfunctional muscle or trigger point, it can decrease banding or tightness, increase blood flow, and reduce local and referred pain. Research suggests that dry needling improves pain control and reduces muscle tension. Study findings also show that dry needling can normalize dysfunctions of the motor end plates, from which nerve impulses get transmitted to muscles. This can help speed up a patient’s return to active rehab.

When physical therapists use dry needling, it is typically part of a larger treatment plan to address the underlying pain patterns, posture, movement impairments, and functional deficits. This can include prescribed exercises, manual therapy, and movement reeducation.

Does it really work?

The short answer is yes. Multiple research studies have confirmed the pain-relieving effects of dry needling when performed by a physical therapist for targeted trigger point relief. This is really good news for anyone suffering from chronic or acute pain. If your trigger points and muscular pain can be reduced, you can better tolerate the other aspects of your care plan. Meaning you have a better chance of returning to function faster, with less pain. We’d call that a win!

Can it work on your pain?

Dry needling can be used on nearly any muscle that presents with trigger points. There are some areas of the body that are not conducive to needling due to the proximity of neurovascular structures and organs, but overall, needling can be used throughout the body. Headaches, neck pain, shoulder, hip, back, ankle, knee, and foot pain can all be helped with targeted dry needling.

Who can perform dry needling?

Specialized training and certification are required to practice dry needling. While physical therapists receive extensive education on anatomy and physiology in their graduate training, additional post-graduate training from a credentialed instructor or program must be completed. This only makes sense, as dry needling is an invasive procedure with some risks, and keeping our patients safe must be a priority. When contacting a physical therapist for dry needling treatment, be sure to ask about their experience and education.

Don’t wait, fix your pain now.

Are you suffering from tight, painful muscles or other chronic pain? If you have questions about whether dry needling might be right for you, consult your local HealthQuest for a free consultation with one of our physical therapists. We can’t wait to help you get back to the life you love.