Dry Needling is a treatment technique that utilizes thin, solid filament needles designed to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying neural, muscular and connective tissues. Dry needling evokes a healing response in painful neuromusculoskeletal conditions and improves movement impairments. Typically we needle myofascial trigger points, which are painful “knots” in tight muscle tissue. Research studies have shown that inserting such needles into trigger points causes biochemical changes within the body, which help reduce pain.
Benefits
Dry needling provides relief for muscular pain and stiffness. In addition, easing the trigger points can improve flexibility and increase range of motion. It normalizes biochemical and electrical dysfunction of motor end plates and promotes healing response in tissue.
What to expect after treatment
Your symptoms may be appear to be heightened for 24-48 hours, and you may be sore to the touch. The soreness is described as “work-out soreness”. Heat will help minimize any soreness you may experience. Bruising is not uncommon. It is common to feel tired, nauseous, emotional, giggly or “loopy”, and/or somewhat “out of it” after treatment. This is a normal response that can last up to an hour or two after treatment.
FAQ
Is dry needling similar to acupuncture?
Dry Needling is not acupuncture or Oriental Medicine; that is, it does not have the purpose of altering the flow of energy (“Qi”) along traditional Chinese meridians for the treatment of disease. Dry Needling is a modern, science based intervention for the treatment of pain and dysfunction in musculoskeletal conditions.
Is the procedure painful?
Most patients do not feel the insertion of the needle. The local twitch response elicits a very brief painful response. Some patients describe this as a little electrical shock; others feel it more like a cramping sensation.
Are the needles sterile?
Yes, sterile disposable needles are used.
How long does it take for the procedure to work?
It may take several sessions to resolve the symptoms fully as the biochemical and mechanical changes occur.
What can I do after treatment?
You may be advised to use ice over the area after Dry Needling to help alleviate post treatment soreness and there may need to be a temporary modification in exercise or activity for a day or 2 afterwards.
How does it work?
Pioneering studies by Dr. Jay Shah and colleagues have shown that inserting needles into trigger point cause biomechanical changes which alleviate pain. It is essential to elicit local “twitch” responses within the muscle, which is the first step to breaking the pain cycle and releasing tight trigger points within the muscles.
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