Dry needling is a procedure in which thin filament needles are inserted directly into myofacial trigger points. A trigger point is a ‘knot’ in a muscle; these knots are often signs of neuromuscular dysfunction and generally occur in areas of musculoskeletal stress. They can be the cause of both acute and chronic pain. The aim of the needling is to reduce pain as well as changing imbalances that are caused due to the muscles not being able to fully lengthen.
Trigger points develop for many reasons, including: poor posture, repetitive actions, trauma and stress. Dry needling technique is unparalleled in finding and eliminating the neuromuscular problems that lead to pain and dysfunction.
When the needle is inserted it creates a twitch response, (this feeling is similar to a small cramp), this response creates natural healing within the muscle and helps the chemical imbalance that created the trigger point to rectify itself. This allows tension within the muscle to subside and allows it to return to normal functioning. The simplest way to think about it is as follows: there is an increase in local blood flow to the area which promotes healing, the neural pathway which is responsible for the pain is blocked to some degree and the body releases endorphins (the body’s natural pain killer) and corticosteroids to ease pain and reduce inflammation.
Dry needling is a very safe and most of the time is a relaxing process. Sometimes when the needle is inserted you may feel a slight ache but there should not be sharp or excessive pain, and most of the time you won’t feel a thing. Many patients respond positively to dry needling at once, in other cases it may take a few days. The benefits that are normally felt are muscles that are less taut, a greater range of motion and freedom of movement.
You may be thinking what is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture? Dry needling is quite similar in many ways to acupuncture however it is completely based on Western medicine principles and research. In other words there is a philosophical difference between the techniques.
Dry needling can be effective in treating a wide variety of conditions. These include: musculoskeletal dysfunction (back or neck pain), headaches, muscular tightness (hamstrings, hip flexors, gluts), shin splits (tendonitis), bursitis, overuse injuries, plantar fasciitis and sporting injuries (sprains, strains).
So if you have never been needled and are interested or have an unexplained ache or pain that you have never been able to get right, why not give it a try!
Dr. Steve Smith
B.Chiro. Sc., M.Chiro
Avalanche Chiropractic
44 William Street Raymond Terrace
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