Sticking needles into your skin may sound like a ridiculous idea, but believe it or not, it’s getting popular that many people who suffer from sports injuries and muscle strain conditions rely on dry needling as an alternative treatment to relieve their pain.
Dry needling is also called trigger point dry needling or myofascial trigger point dry needling. It is often done by acupuncturists, some chiropractors, medical doctors, and some physiotherapists to treat myofascial pain (muscle pain).
Overused muscles will develop knotted areas called trigger points. These trigger points are highly sensitive and can be painful upon touching. These are often the cause of referred pain (or pain that affects another part of the body).
During the session, several filiform needles will be inserted into the trigger point in your muscles. Filiform needles are fine, short, stainless steel needles that don’t inject fluid into the body.The needles are only meant to stimulate the tissue, not to inject medication. That’s why the term “dry” is used. Dry needling, which is sometimes called intramuscular stimulation helps release the knot and relieve any muscle pain or spasms.
A patient may experience different sensations when being needled. These include muscle soreness or aching. A muscle twitch when a needle is inserted is considered to be a good sign. The needles may be placed deeply or superficially, for shorter or longer periods of time, depending on what type of pain is being treated. Shorter periods of time would mean that needle would stay in the muscle for seconds, while longer periods could mean 10 to 15 minutes.
Different techniques of dry needling
The in-and-out technique
This technique involves inserting the dry needle into a trigger point and removing it right away. It’s also known as pistoning or sparrow pecking. The needles go in and out quickly and don’t stay inserted in your skin for too long.
The non-trigger points technique
This technique involves inserting needles in areas around the point of pain instead of a knot or trigger point. Based on the idea that pain is the result of a greater nerve or muscular issue, the non-trigger points technique aims to treat your central nervous system.
What are the benefits of dry needling?
Dry needling is almost always used as a part of an overall plan that will likely include chiropractic adjustment, physiotherapy, manual therapy, heat therapy, and education on rehabiliation. Dry needling provide relief for some muscular pain from trigger points and stiffness. In addition, easing the trigger points may improve flexibility and increase range of motion that may be limited due to muscle tightness or scar tissue. Dry needling may also treat:
- Joint sprain or muscle strain
- Tendinitis
- Migraine and tension-type headaches
- Repetitive motion disorders (like carpal tunnel syndrome)
- Spinal problems such as low back pain or neck stiffness
Are there any side effects?
Mild side effects such as bruising or temporary soreness at the site of injections are very common with dry needling. Serious side effects are rare. Some patients might feel temporary fatigue after the session. Do take note that we use sterile needles every time and dispose them after each usage.
Dry needling vs acupuncture
Acupuncture is traditionally used to ease pain, discomfort, or issues by opening up your chi or healing energy, while dry needling is designed to stimulate trigger points or irritable muscles. Acupuncturists insert needles into your skin to release endorphins and affect your nervous system, while dry needling release tension from knotted points in your muscles.
Dry needling and acupuncture are well-known practices that involve inserting thin, stainless steel needles into skin for therapeutic purposes. While both treatments aim to provide relief from pain, both treatments are unique in different way.
In Essential Chiropractic Centre, we provide dry needling therapy to help condition such as low back pain, neck pain, muscle stiffness, sport injuries, joint sprain/muscle strain. Do contact us for more information.
03-33584587
010-2339687 
5-2, Setia Avenue, No.2 Jalan Setia prima S U13/S, Setia Alam, Sek U13, 40170 Shah Alam