WHAT IS DRY NEEDLING?
Dry Needling is a valuable treatment used to influence neuro-musculoskeletal related pain and muscle function related to myofascial trigger points or tender points within a taut band of muscle. Dry needling is a procedure in which a very small diameter, solid, filiform needle is inserted directly into a muscle. A trigger point consists of multiple contraction knots, which are related to the production and perpetuation of the pain cycle. It is called dry needling because it does not involve injection a wet substance.
IS DRY NEEDLING THE SAME AS ACUPUNCTURE?
There are many similarities and differences between dry needling and acupuncture. Since 2010, licensed physical therapists in Wisconsin joined a growing number of states that allow the use of dry needling within the physical therapist scope of practice. Physical therapists are not licensed acupuncturists and do not practice acupuncture. In contrast to most schools of acupuncture, dry needling is strictly based on Western medicine principles, research and evidence.
HOW DOES DRY NEEDLING WORK?
The exact mechanisms of dry needing are not known. There are positive mechanical, biochemical and electrophysiologic effects.
We know that inserting a needle into trigger points can cause a favorable biochemical and electrophysiologic change, which assists
in reducing pain and improving motion. A local twitch response (LTR) may be elicited in the muscle which is a spinal cord reflex. Simply put, a LTR is a small, involuntary muscle contraction. Stimulating a LTR has shown to be beneficial in some studies.
WHAT TYPES OF ISSUES CAN BE TREATED WITH DRY NEEDLING?
Dry needling can be used for a variety of neuro-musculoskeletal problems. Muscles are thought to be primary contributors to symptoms. Treatment of muscles has a great effect on reducing pain mechanisms in the nervous system as well as improving range of motion and tissue mobility.
Such conditions include but are not limited to:
• Neck/back pain, stiffness and/or range of motion
• Shoulder pain, stiffness and/or range of motion
• Arm pain, stiffness and/or range of motion (tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, golfer's elbow)
• Headaches: if muscle tension is a factor in both migraine and tension type headaches
• Buttock, hip, and leg pain, stiffness and/or limited range of motion
• Sciatica, hamstring or quadricep strains, illotibial band syndrome, plantar fasciitis​
Any of these things sound familiar?!
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IS THE PROCEDURE PAINFUL?
Some clients feel the insertion of the needle and some do not. The needle inserted into healthy muscle tissue is not painful. When the needle is inserted into the trigger point (contraction knot) or tender area, generally a deep aching/cramping sensation is felt. Sometimes a LTR is also elicited.
ARE THE NEEDLES STERILE?
Yes, only sterile disposable needles are used.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER THE TREATMENT?
Most clients report being sore after the procedure. The soreness is described as muscle soreness over the area treated and occasionally into the areas of referred symptoms. Typically, the soreness lasts between a few hours and a few days. Some describe the soreness as having a hard workout at the gym. Bruising can be a side effect. Refer to the consent form for additional side effects of treatment.
WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER THE TREATMENT?
We know a few things to be helpful and effective based on research. Most recently, eccentric loading (think lengthening movements while under tension) has been shown to decrease post-treatment soreness following dry needling. Also, staying hydrated is important. So make sure you drink plenty of fluids. We don't recommend using heat immediately after dry needling because it can irritate the skin around the insertion point, but if you usually tolerate heat well, a warm compress can be used several hours later or the next day to increase blood flow and facilitate movement.
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Additionally, simple things that encourage movement are often helpful. Stretching, gentle motion and going for a walk are some great examples. While we encourage movement, immediately after dry needling is probably not the best time to try to hit your PR or bust out a workout that leaves you laying exhausted on the floor. Allow your muscle tissue to heal up and your body will feel better in the coming days.
Avoid: Excessive alcohol, unfamiliar sport or activity, activity that hurts or exacerbates your symptoms should be discontinued.
Avoid ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications unless prescribed by your physician.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR THE PROCEDURE TO WORK?
It may take several sessions for a sustained positive reaction to take place although frequently there are favorable "within session changes" even the day of dry needling. We are trying to cause mechanical and biochemical changes without any pharmacological means. Therefore, we are looking for a cumulative response to achieve a certain threshold of change in either the pain cycle and/or mechanical/ROM improvements.
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO COME BACK TO MAINTAIN MY PROGRESS?
The musculoskeletal system is under constant pressure from gravity, stress, work, etc. Following dry needling a regular exercise program including stretching and self-mobilization techniques combined with appropriate loading/strengthening, recovery, sleep, and nutrition can prevent further issues and maintain progress. If the pain or limited motion re-occurs, more frequent sessions or regularly schedule “tune-ups” may be required to keep you performing optimally.
Simple range of motion restrictions, stiffness, or minor strains usually respond quickly to dry needling. However, more complicated diagnoses/injuries/issues may require a more comprehensive treatment plan over a longer period of time.
Wondering if dry needling could be a piece of the puzzle to help you feel better, move better and get back to the things you love?
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