What is Dry Needling

What is Dry Needling

Dry needling is a treatment technique that involves inserting thin needles into the skin and muscle tissue to reduce muscle pain, improve muscle function, and improve overall physical function and mobility in a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. It is sometimes referred to as intramuscular stimulation (IMS) or trigger point dry needling (TDN). Dry needling is typically performed by physical therapists.

 

The origins of dry needling can be traced back to the work of Dr. Janet G. Travell (President John F. Kennedy’s personal physician). Dr. Travell observed that certain points in the muscles, known as trigger points, could produce pain as well as symptoms in other parts of the body when they were compressed or stimulated. She developed the practice of injecting these trigger points with saline or other solutions to help alleviate pain and muscle spasm.

 

Today, dry needling is used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. It is also used to improve range of motion, reduce muscle spasm and tension, improve muscle performance, and promote relaxation.

 

How does dry needling work?

 

Dry needling is based on the theory that trigger points, or knots in the muscles, can cause pain and other symptoms in other parts of the body. These trigger points are thought to be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle overuse, injury, and stress.

 

One of the ways that dry needling is thought to work is by inducing a muscle twitch response. When a needle is inserted into a muscle, it may cause the muscle to contract or twitch. This is thought to help by stimulating the production of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving chemicals produced by the body. Another way is that dry needling helps to improve blood flow to the muscles, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

 

Is dry needling safe?

 

Dry needling is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and experienced physical therapist. The needles used in dry needling are thin and solid, and they are much smaller than the needles used for injections or blood draws. The risk of infection or other serious complications is low.


However, dry needling can cause some side effects, including mild pain or discomfort at the needle site, muscle soreness, and bruising. These side effects are typically temporary and resolve on their own within a few days.

 

One potential complication of dry needling is pneumothorax, or the accumulation of air in the space between the lung and the chest wall. This can occur if the needle punctures the lung. Pneumothorax can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and other symptoms, and it may require medical attention. The risk of pneumothorax is low, but it is higher in people who have lung conditions or who are obese.

 

There is also a risk of nerve injury with dry needling. If the needle hits a nerve, it can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the location and type of nerve affected. The patient may feel a sudden sharp or electric sensation, or they may experience numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness. These symptoms may be temporary or they may persist, depending on the severity of the injury. In rare cases, nerve injury can be more severe and may result in permanent numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.

 

The risk of nerve injury is low, but it is higher in people who have nerve conditions or who are taking medications that affect nerve function. It is important to note that dry needling is typically performed by trained and experienced physical therapists who are knowledgeable about the location of nerves and other sensitive structures in the body. They take steps to avoid hitting nerves and other sensitive structures during the procedure. However, the risk of nerve injury cannot be completely eliminated, and it is one of the potential risks of dry needling.

 

Dry needling is not recommended for people who have bleeding disorders or who are taking blood thinners, as the needles may cause bleeding. It is also not recommended for people who have a fear of needles or who have a history of allergic reactions to certain metals or latex. Overall, it is important to speak with a physical therapist to determine if dry needling is the right treatment option for you and to discuss any potential risks and benefits.

 

Who can benefit from dry needling?

 

Dry needling may be helpful for people with a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:

 

  • Muscle pain: Dry needling can help to reduce muscle pain by stimulating the trigger points within the muscles. It may be particularly helpful for people with conditions such as myofascial pain syndrome, which is characterized by muscle pain and tenderness.

  • Neck and back pain: Dry needling may be effective for reducing neck and back pain, particularly when the pain is caused by muscle tension or trigger points. It may also be helpful for people with conditions such as spinal stenosis or herniated discs.

  • Headaches: Dry needling may be helpful for reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches, particularly when the headaches are caused by muscle tension or trigger points in the neck and shoulders.

  • Injuries: Dry needling may be beneficial for people with injuries such as tendonitis or bursitis, as it can help to reduce inflammation and improve range of motion. It may also be helpful for people who have trouble with range of motion due to muscle stiffness or tension.

What to expect during a dry needling session

 

A dry needling session typically lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. The physical therapist will begin by identifying the trigger points in the muscle that are causing pain or other symptoms. They will then clean the skin and insert the needles into the trigger points. The needles may be inserted to different depths, depending on the location and condition being treated.

 

During the procedure, the physical therapist may move the needles or apply electrical stimulation to the needles to further stimulate the trigger points. The patient may feel a mild aching sensation or muscle twitch when the needles are inserted.

 

After the needles are removed, the physical therapist will typically massage the treated areas to help relax the muscles and improve circulation. They may also give the patient stretches or exercises to help maintain the benefits of the treatment.

 

Most people experience some improvement in their symptoms after a single dry needling session, but multiple sessions may be needed to achieve optimal results. The number of sessions needed will depend on the individual’s condition and response to treatment.

 

It is normal to feel sore after a dry needling session, particularly if the muscles were tight or overworked before the treatment. The soreness is usually mild and should resolve on its own within a few days. The physical therapist may recommend taking over-the-counter pain medication or applying heat or ice to the treated area to help alleviate soreness.

 

Dry needling vs. acupuncture

 

Dry needling and acupuncture are similar in that they both involve the use of needles to stimulate specific points on the body. However, there are some key differences between the two practices:

 

  • Training: Acupuncturists undergo training in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the use of acupuncture points, while physical therapists who perform dry needling typically receive a shorter training course as part of their overall physical therapy education.

  • Theory: Acupuncture is based on the TCM theory of qi (pronounced “chee”), or life energy, which is thought to flow through the body along pathways known as meridians. Dry needling, on the other hand, is based on Western medical principles and the theory of trigger points.

  • Scope of practice: Acupuncturists are trained to treat a wide range of conditions, including allergies and digestive issues, while dry needling is mainly used to treat musculoskeletal conditions.

In conclusion, dry needling is a safe and effective treatment option for people with musculoskeletal conditions. It is typically performed by physical therapists and it is based on Western medical principles rather than traditional Chinese medicine. Dry needling can be an effective way to reduce pain and improve muscle function, but it is not appropriate for everyone. It is important to speak with a physical therapist to determine if dry needling is the right treatment option for you.

 

If you are interested in dry needling as a treatment option for your musculoskeletal condition, contact M3 Physio to see if it is right for you. Michael Hildebrand, PT, DPT, COMT is a highly experienced physical therapist with extensive training in dry needling. He has completed over 100 hours of advanced training in dry needling techniques and regularly assists in teaching courses on the subject to other healthcare professionals. He can help you determine if it is an appropriate treatment for your specific needs.

 

To schedule a dry needling session with M3 Physio, simply give us a call or send us a message. We offer flexible scheduling options and will work with you to find a time that fits your busy schedule. Don’t let muscle pain or other musculoskeletal conditions hold you back any longer – contact M3 Physio today to learn more about dry needling and how it can help you feel your best!

 

Yours in health,
Michael Hildebrand, PT, DPT, COMT

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