How Can Dry Needling Help Me?
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a technique where monofilament needles are used (like an acupuncture needle) to penetrate the skin into in area of restriction or pain. The targeted region contains trigger points or “knots” which often refer pain out to different areas. For example, our upper trapezius muscle is a common muscle riddled with trigger points which often refers pain into the neck and can even go as far as giving us the sensation of a headache.
How is dry needling used?
Dry needling can often be used as an adjunct to treatment. If someone is having difficulties performing exercises and stretches because of persistent pain and myofascial restriction or tightness, dry needling can be used to help alleviate those symptoms. In doing this, patient’s often find it is much easier to move and are able to get more out of their exercise routines.
The mechanisms by which dry needling works
Dry needling works at a biochemical, endocrinological, neurovascular, and biomechanical level activating hormones and stimulating spinal and brain pathways which are responsible for anti-nociception and anti-inflammatory effects. Dry needling activates neural pathways involved in opioid-based pain reduction and through non-opioid pain relief through release of serotonin and norepinephrine. It can also trigger areas of the brain to initiate the release of hormones which act to reduce inflammatory markers.
These chemical changes reduce pain and myofascial restriction to allow more ease of movement and better tolerance to exercises and stretches given for the injured body part. It can provide a sense of relaxation and decrease muscle tension and allow you to more naturally reconnect your brain to the affected muscle or joint without the use of medication or surgery.
Is dry needling right for me?
As a physical therapist, I have seen how various treatment techniques can influence recovery and ultimately there is no ONE perfect and special technique that heals all. We wish it was that easy. This is why a fairly thorough assessment is performed on my patients when they see me because despite having similar conditions, everyone’s body presents a different unique challenge and requires a specific approach. With that said, dry needling alone is not nearly as effective as coupling it with a comprehensive exercise plan specific built to address your injury.
