Got nagging neck pain or chronic tight shoulders? You’ve probably tried massages, stretches, and ice packs without lasting relief. Before reaching for pain medication, consider asking your physical therapist or chiropractor about Dry needling in Raymond Terrace. This technique can provide targeted pain relief when other methods come up short.
Dry needling uses thin needles to treat muscle pain and stiffness, but don’t let that scare you off. It sounds worse than it is. In this article, we’ll demystify dry needling therapy so you can see how it works and decide if it’s right for you. Let’s pin down the facts on dry needling.
What Exactly Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling involves placing tiny acupuncture-like needles into sore trigger points in muscles or connective tissues. The needles cause small twitches that provide pain relief.
Despite the name, your skin is not actually dry needled. A lubricant is used. The needles used are thinner than those for shots or blood draws.
Is Dry Needling Like Acupuncture?
There are similarities but key differences. Both therapies use thin needles placed in the skin’s surface. However, acupuncture needles go into acupuncture points to balance energy according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles.
Dry needles directly target painful muscular trigger points guided by modern anatomy and physiology. The goal is quick pain relief.
Why Does Dry Needling Work?
When you overuse a muscle, tiny contraction knots or trigger points develop, causing soreness. Dry needles cause a micro-twitch response in the knotted muscle fibers, which helps them release and loosen up.
As the tissues relax, muscle tightness and spasms decrease, restoring flexibility and providing pain relief. Blood flow improves as well.
What Conditions Is It Used For?
Dry needling can help relieve neck, back and shoulder pain, headaches, sports injuries, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, TMJ dysfunction, and more. If tight, knotted up muscles contribute to your symptoms, it’s worth considering.
While not a cure-all, dry needling is one more tool for gaining relief when you’re hurting.
What Happens During Treatment?
The therapist will press on your sore muscles to locate trigger points. When a sensitive knot is found, a thin dry needle will quickly be inserted in and out.
You’ll likely feel a mild twitch or aching sensation. Some spots may reproducibly refer ache elsewhere. Typically several needles are used for 5-20 minutes.
Does Dry Needling Hurt?
It depends. Many tolerate dry needling quite well. Some find it very uncomfortable. However, any discomfort only lasts briefly and subsides immediately after needle removal.
Some residual muscle soreness may occur a day after. Topical numbing creams and relaxation techniques can help manage any achiness.
Are Any Side Effects Caused?
Most people experience no issues beyond some minor muscle soreness. Very rarely, temporary bruising can occur at needle sites. Infection is extremely uncommon due to strict sanitation practices.
Properly performed dry needling is quite low risk, especially compared to medications. Still discuss any concerns with your provider.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
This varies. Acute issues may resolve within a few sessions while chronic conditions may need periodic maintenance treatments. Your provider will advise you based on your unique case. Commit to the recommended course for best results. Consistency is key.
Conclusion
While sounding scary, dry needling is very tolerable and low risk when expertly done. The pinpoint needle technique can deactivate painful muscle trigger points when other methods fail. If you have nagging soreness holding you back, dry needling could provide the key relief you’ve been missing. Consult a knowledgeable dry needling practitioner to see if it’s right for you.