You may have heard of a treatment technique called Dry needling and wondered what exactly it is or if it’s something that may be helpful for you.
While the name of the procedure may sound intimidating, dry needling is safe, minimally discomforting and often an effective technique for patients with certain musculoskeletal presentations. Dry needling is a treatment performed by skilled, trained physiotherapists, certified in the procedure. A fine “thread-like” needle penetrates the skin to stimulate the deeper tissues.
Dry needling is used to reach the skeletal muscles, fascia and connective tissue, and assists in treating muscular trigger points and movement dysfunction within those structures.

To reduce or alleviate pain (local or referred) by reducing inflammatory and nociceptive (pain) chemicals.
To increase the blood flow to the area.
To help relax the tight bands of muscle.
To deactivate the myofascial trigger points. Dry needling is done in conjunction and combination with other physiotherapy techniques and exercise prescription and is not commonly done as a stand-alone treatment.

Dry needling is done in conjunction and combination with other physiotherapy techniques and exercise prescription and is not commonly done as a stand-alone treatment.

Acupuncture originates from Traditional Chinese Medicine practices. The principles of Chinese acupuncture are based on Qi (pronounced "chee") which is defined as "the circulating life force" or "energy flow" within each person. According to Chinese medicine principles, if one's Qi is disrupted or blocked, it causes illness. Acupuncture is therefore one of the traditional treatments of this and works along paths in which Qi flows. Needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points along the meridians.

Dry Needling is a Western Medicine technique. In the early 1940s doctors used to inject analgesics, corticosteroids or anaesthetics into trigger points in the muscle. Thereafter, it was discovered that inserting the needle into the muscle had an effect in relieving pain, even without the injected substance. This is how dry needling came about. Dry needling is based on biomedical understandings of the human body. The needles are inserted into muscles or tissues and aim to target that specific area by eliciting a mechanical and a chemical response. Dry needling works specifically on the musculoskeletal system and aims to relieve myofascial pain.

The technique is performed with the patient lying down, and in a relaxed position. During a dry needling treatment, you may feel a slight sting as the needle is inserted and removed. However, this discomfort should last no longer than a few seconds before settling.

A brief muscle twitch may also be experienced during a dry needling treatment. This may occur when the needle is inserted into a myofascial trigger point. You may feel a heaviness or dull ache locally or distally from where the needle was put it. Trigger points refer, so this is also a normal thing to sometimes feel.

Most patients will respond extremely well to Dry needling, however in the same way that some people might feel post treatment soreness after a manual therapy session, you might also feel some soreness after dry needling. Any soreness should only last for 12-24 hours.
Very minor bruising or bleeding may occur. An ice pack can be used to help recovery for a few minutes on the area of needling.
Fatigue and drowsiness are possible side effects. We encourage patients to have a snack or drink some water if this occurs.

Dry needling can be used for a wide variety of myofascial pain and musculoskeletal issues, throughout your body. It is used to increase range of motion that may be limited due to muscle tightness or scar tissue. Dry needling has also been shown to be beneficial for the management of:
Muscular strains
Tendinopathies
Joint problems
Spinal and disc problems
Osteoarthritis
Migraine and tension- type headaches
Jaw and mouth problems (such as temporomandibular joint disorders or TMD)
Whiplash
Repetitive motion disorders (like Carpal tunnel syndrome or Tennis elbow)
Night cramps

DRY NEEDLING EXPLAINED

08.02.23

What are the Goals of Dry Needling?

What is the Difference between Dry Needling and Acupuncture?

What will you feel during Dry Needling Treatment?

What are the Common Side Effects after Dry Needling?

When would Dry Needling be Used?

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