Dry Needling
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a relatively new treatment technique that is safe, effective, and used to treat a wide variety of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. This includes joint pain, tendon issues, headaches, jaw pain, muscular tightness and more. The technique is performed by a clinician that is certified in dry needling and involves the insertion of a thin monofilament needle into underlying tissues. This process has a multitude of effects at the cellular level but essentially “kickstarts” the natural healing process of the human body. It can also provide muscle relaxation leading to decreased pain and increased mobility. There are different types of dry needling where, depending on your condition, one or multiple techniques may be used for treatment.
Does dry needling hurt?
Most people that have had dry needling treatment describe the technique as less painful than receiving a shot. Depending on your condition, comfort level, and pain tolerance, the clinician can cater the treatment to you. As mentioned, there are several different techniques that can be utilized in dry needling that range from mild to more aggressive. More aggressive techniques may provide a better response afterward, in terms of muscle relaxation, pain relief, and tissue healing.
How is dry needling different than acupuncture?
Dry needling utilizes the same types of needles as acupuncture but is based upon entirely different philosophy. Acupuncture is a technique that has been around for a long time in Eastern-based medicine. It involves the insertion of thin monofilament needles just below the skin surface along “meridians” or “acupuncture points.” Acupuncture claims to move energy or “chi” along these meridians, treat many illnesses, and promote overall wellbeing. Dry needling follows a Western-based medicine approach and is used to treat specific tissues in the body (muscle, tendon, bone, nerve, etc.). The most common form of dry needling treats muscle tissue to promote decreased stiffness, improved mobility, and tissue healing.
Why choose dry needling?
Dry needling offers patients another form of treatment, where they may have not found relief with any other options. The technique is safe, minimally invasive, and effective. Furthermore, many patients prefer to treat their condition without the use of medication, if possible. Dry needling offers patients this option. In fact, dry needling has many of the same pain-relieving mechanisms that medication provides, only it is the body producing these natural substances and effects.
Dry needling plus Physical Therapy
While dry needling has been shown to be effective at reducing pain, improving mobility, and improving function, most of these effects are greatest in the short-term. For longer lasting or permanent change to be made, it is best to combine dry needling with exercises used to address your specific condition. Doctors of Physical Therapy can construct an exercise program to address your specific needs and goals to help keep you moving pain free!
By Staton Rebeck, PT, DPT