April 11, 2024

A Beginner’s Guide to Dry Needling

Have you ever heard of dry needling? You may think to yourself- I’ve heard of Acupuncture, is it the same?    Great question!   It is not the same but it is similar.  It is actually a therapeutic technique that’s gaining popularity in the world of physical therapy and pain management. In this blog, we’ll dive into what dry needling is all about, how it works, its benefits, potential risks, and what the research says about its efficacy.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points in your body, typically known as trigger points or myofascial trigger points. These trigger points are knots or tight bands of muscle tissue that can cause pain and restrict movement. Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on balancing the body’s energy flow, dry needling is based on modern anatomical and neurophysiological principles.  Both are extremely effective they just work on very different issues. 
How is it Used?
During a dry needling session, a trained practitioner will locate these trigger points by palpating your muscles. Once identified, they will gently insert a thin needle directly into the trigger point. The needle may be manipulated to stimulate the muscle, causing it to twitch or release tension. This process can help to alleviate pain, improve range of motion, and promote healing.  It is often asked if dry needling is painful.  It makes sense that inserting a needle into an area that is already painful or restricted would cause more pain.  The truth is that these needles are so so fine that it is rarely even felt when they are inserted.  This method is used mostly for pain relief!  But as tension is released, soreness can sometimes occur- the same as if you had a big workout session.  
Benefits of Dry Needling
One of the primary benefits of dry needling is pain relief. By targeting trigger points, it can help to reduce muscle tightness and spasms, which are often associated with chronic pain conditions such as neck pain, back pain, and headaches. Additionally, dry needling can improve blood flow and promote the release of endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers, providing further relief.  Have Migraines??  Dry needling has been working wonders in the relief of these debilitating headaches.
Contraindications and Potential Risks
While dry needling is generally safe when performed by a qualified practitioner, there are some contraindications to consider. For example, if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medication, dry needling may not be suitable for you. Additionally, pregnant women should exercise caution, especially when needles are inserted near the abdomen or lower back. Some people may experience temporary soreness or bruising at the needle insertion site, but serious complications are rare.
Efficacy: What Does the Research Say?
Numerous studies have investigated the efficacy of dry needling for various musculoskeletal conditions, and the results are promising. For example, a systematic review published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found strong evidence supporting the use of dry needling for reducing pain and improving function in individuals with neck and shoulder pain. Similarly, research published in the Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy suggests that dry needling can be an effective treatment for chronic low back pain.


Now to bring the point home.  Dry needling is just one of the tools that we, physical therapists, have in our tool belt to help you.  It can help to alleviate pain, improve range of motion, and promote healing. This is not a new technique but it is gaining traction in desirability and the research is there to back up its efficacy.  It is not a cure-all and it is not meant to compete with Acupuncture.  However, if you are suffering from pain, headaches, limited range of motion- you owe it to yourself to give us a call and see if this treatment method is right for you. If you are already receiving PT, ask your therapist if this is something to add into your treatment plan.