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By Peter Pascalis, Clinical Myotherapist Trigger point dry needling is a therapeutic method that has recently gained traction for its effectiveness in treating muscle pain and tension. If you're curious about this treatment, you're in the right place. This blog post will explore frequently asked questions about trigger point dry needling, including what it is, what to expect, its benefits, and more.  What is Dry Needling? Dry needling involves inserting thin, acupuncture-type needles into specific areas in the muscle known as "trigger points." These trigger points are hypersensitive areas that can lead to pain and discomfort elsewhere in the body. The primary goal of dry needling is to elicit a muscle twitch response, which helps reduce muscle tension and pain. Superficial dry needling (where the needle is placed just below the surface of the skin) can be used when deep needling is contraindicated or not well tolerated. This technique is used by many Myotherapists and healthcare professionals to treat various musculoskeletal conditions. Unlike acupuncture, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is based in Western medicine, focusing on the anatomy and physiology of the body. What Will I Experience? During dry needling, the needles used are very thin, and you might not feel the needle as it enters your skin. If the muscle being needled is tight, you might experience a mild cramping or twitch sensation, which is usually brief. Many patients soon recognize this as a sign of the treatment working. After this initial sensation, most people feel pain relief and increased muscle relaxation. Communication with your clinician is key. If you experience discomfort that feels excessive or concerning, let them know immediately so they can adjust their technique. Are There Any Side Effects? Like any treatment, dry needling can have side effects. Temporary muscle soreness is the most common side effect and may last for one to two days after treatment. Most clinicians recommend applying ice to the area or performing gentle stretching to alleviate soreness. In some cases, bruising may occur at the site of needle insertion. If you are worried about potential side effects, it is crucial to discuss them with your clinician before starting treatment. They can provide guidance and help you make an informed decision. How Does Dry Needling Help? Dry needling can provide significant benefits in various ways. One primary benefit is the reduction of pressure on nerves caused by muscle shortening, which can alleviate pain. The muscle twitch response during dry needling is associated with relaxation, aiding in tension reduction in nearby areas.Research indicates that dry needling can effectively treat conditions such as myofascial pain syndrome, tension headaches, and chronic pain. A study published in the Journal of Pain Research in 2020 found that 70% of patients with myofascial pain reported less pain after just one session of dry needling. By targeting specific trigger points, this technique can help restore normal muscle function and enhance overall mobility. How Often Will I Need Treatment? The frequency of dry needling treatments varies for each individual. Treatments are generally scheduled once a week to allow enough recovery time between sessions. However, the number of sessions required depends on several factors, including:
Are There Any Contraindications to Dry Needling? Before undergoing dry needling, it is essential to inform your clinician of any medical conditions or concerns you may have. Specific contraindications may prevent you from receiving this treatment, including:
What If I Have Some More Questions? If you have additional questions or uncertainties regarding dry needling, do not hesitate to reach out to your clinician. They are there to help you understand the treatment process and address your concerns. Open communication is vital for ensuring you feel informed and comfortable throughout your treatment journey. Final Thoughts Trigger point dry needling is a valuable therapeutic technique that can provide significant relief for individuals suffering from muscle pain and tension. By understanding what dry needling is, what to expect, and how it can aid in your recovery, you can make an informed decision about whether this treatment is right for you.If you are considering dry needling, consult with a qualified clinician who can guide you through the process and tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs. Your health and well-being are important, and seeking professional advice is always a smart move. With the right approach, dry needling can be an effective tool in your journey toward pain relief and improved muscle function. Explore this option and take your first step toward a more comfortable and active life! Myotherapists train extensively in a technique called Dry Needling. Dry needling is a therapeutic technique that has gained popularity in recent years as a powerful tool for relieving musculoskeletal pain, restoring mobility and promoting overall wellness. Its an advanced treatment technique that involves inserting very thin, sterile needles into specific muscles in the body to induce a rapid change in muscle tension. Often the target of dry needling is a trigger point within a muscle. These trigger points are tight bands within the muscle tissue that can cause pain, discomfort, and limited range of motion when they become overly contracted or dysfunctional.  The primary goal of dry needling is to alter the muscle tension and promote the natural healing processes of the body. Often this technique can elicit a twitch response from the muscle, causing it to contract and then relax, which is felt as a sudden, involuntary muscle twitch. This contraction and relaxation help to release tension and improve blood flow to the area, which can accelerate the healing process. Its usually not painful, but can be surprising to patients. Some practitioners will use a more stimulating technique to specifically seek out the twitch response which can be highly beneficial, especially for patients who have extreme tightness and pain. For patients who don’t feel comfortable with a very stimulating approach, a gentler technique of positioning and resting needles can also be used with good effect. The type of techniques used really depends on the patient and how their body responds - we see many patients whose bodies are very sensitive to needling and get amazing results from very low stimulation; and we also see many patients who prefer to really “feel it” by experiencing significant twitch responses. Theres no right or wrong way to do it, its always tailored to the individual being treated.
Dry needling can be particularly effective in treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including chronic pain, muscle stiffness, joint pain, and even some neurological conditions. It is commonly used to address issues such as neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, and headaches, among others. Athletes and sports players tend to get very good results from dry needling. A gentler approach to dry needling can also be really effective in situations where the pain is so severe that its not tolerable to apply pressure using other myotherapy techniques like massage or joint mobilisation. One of the key advantages of dry needling is its minimally invasive nature. The needles used in this technique are extremely thin, and patients typically experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. Often a pin prick sensation is felt as the needle punctures the skin, and then patients are surprised by how minimal the discomfort of the treatment is. Many patients report immediate relief and improved mobility after a session. Like with any technique where skin is being punctured, there are risks associated with dry needling. Our consent form for treatment provides information on the risks, including things like small bleeds, post needling soreness, and pneumothorax. Its important to know that while risks like pneumothorax (punctured lung) are serious, when you receive dry needling from a qualified therapist the risk is very low due to the extent of the practitioners training and experience. Because of these risks, dry needling should only be performed by trained and qualified practitioners. Our clinic only allows Myotherapists to provide dry needling, because dry needling is included as core curriculum in all Myotherapy training programs. This means your myotherapist has had to study for 6+ months under close supervision and pass exams in order to become qualified. There are short course 2-3 day programs available for therapists to become registered to provide dry needling, which is why you may find remedial massage therapists, physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths who offer dry needling. These practitioners only get a very short amount of time to learn and practice in their weekend course before they begin offering dry needling to patients. Want to give dry needling a go? Book online and make sure to pick one of our 5 Myotherapists as your practitioner. |
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