Dry Needling
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a form of therapy in which needles are inserted through the skin into deeper tissues. The needles used by the therapist are very thin, sterile and disposable. They are inserted into myofascial trigger points (painful knots in muscles), tendons, ligaments, or near nerves in order to stimulate a healing response in painful musculoskeletal conditions.
What are trigger points?
Myofascial trigger points are hypersensitive spots in a taut band of muscle. They can be active, causing spontaneous pain, or latent, only painful when palpated. Trigger points are often found in muscles around injured joints, neck and lower back.
How does it work?
Dry needling reduces the electrical activity in myofascial trigger points (reduces nerve “firing”). It has also been shown that dry needling changes the chemical substances in the treated area, reducing inflammation. It even changes brain activity. This results in pain relief, muscle relaxation and increased range of motion.
Is it the same as acupuncture?
Although both techniques use fine needles, acupuncture is different to dry needling. Acupuncture is a type of traditional Chinese medicine, where needles are inserted in the skin at specific points along lines of energy (“meridians”), to cure diseases or relieve pain.
What conditions can be treated with dry needling?
Research has shown that dry needling is effective in a variety of musculoskeletal conditions:
Are there any risks involved?
Like any procedure, dry needling can have some unwanted side effects and is not appropriate for everybody. The most common side effects after dry needling are fatigue, light-headedness, and temporary aggravation of symptoms. Your physiotherapist will talk to you about risks and benefits, so you can make an informed decision.