Why Dry Needling Is So Effective
Dry needling has become increasingly popular as a treatment for many muscular issues. But what exactly is dry needling, and why is it so effective? Let's take a closer look.
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a form of myofascial therapy, like foam rolling but with needles.
Dry needling is similar to acupuncture in some ways. It uses needles to treat a variety of ailments. However, acupuncture is a more holistic approach, in the sense that if you have a headache, an acupuncturist may stick needles all over your body to cure it.
While if you go to a physical therapist for dry needling and have a tight chest, they will stick those needles directly into the muscular knots in your chest.
How does dry needling work?
It works by targeting tight areas known as myofascial trigger points, commonly thought of as knots in your muscles, which are associated with pain and tension. When these knots are stimulated with needles, it helps relieve spasms, inflammation, and muscle pain.
The needle also causes an electrical impulse to be released from nerves within the tissue, which can help reduce muscular tension and restore your range of motion.
In other words, there are knots of tension in your muscles; if you repeatedly jab them with a needle, it breaks up that tension. Imagine how a massage therapist targets a knot by putting pressure on it, but directly on the knot. It isn't always the most comfortable sensation, but it is very effective.
Who should use dry needling?
Everyone!
It isn't the most pleasant activity in the world, but in my experience, it relieves muscular issues.
Dry needling can be used on every muscle in the body and has been proven effective treatment for chronic low back pain and shoulder impingement syndrome. In addition, dry needling has been found to improve range-of-motion restrictions due to long-standing postural issues or injury-related scarring.
Personally, I've used dry needling to treat a calf and shoulder injury. The calf injury was a minor thing, and one uncomfortable session of dry needling cleared it right up.
The shoulder injury was more serious; I couldn't lift my arm after an impact injury. It took about two months of physical therapy and dry needling to return back to regular exercise. However, the dry needling helped immensely in regaining the range of motion.
If you’ve recently hurt yourself, check out this articles on whether you need to go get an MRI. Or if you are thinking of seeing a doctor about your chronic back pain. You might save yourself a trip and go directly to physical therapy.
Should you try dry needling if you are afraid of needles?
As someone who doesn't like needles, it may surprise you how big of a supporter of dry needling I am. At this point, I've probably done about thirty dry-needling sessions, and I've yet to see a needle. What can I say? I'm a big baby and don't want to see needles going into my body. In fact, I still turn my head when I get blood drawn.
Fear of needles should not stop you from dry needling. The experience is similar to that of cupping or deep tissue massage. Uncomfortable but beneficial.
At the end of the day, fears are only conquered by exposure, so people who are afraid of needles should just suck it up and get some dry needling done. It may help you get over your fear. Doing things that scare us is the only place personal growth is found.
So if you're looking for an effective way to manage pain or improve function, dry needling may be right for you!
Is dry needling dangerous?
Dry needling is generally considered a safe and effective treatment for muscle pain, but there are some risks to be aware of:
The most common side effects include minor bruising at the needle site, soreness or swelling in the surrounding area, and temporary discomfort during the procedure.
In rare cases, dry needling can lead to infection if not done correctly. However, this should not be a concern if you go to a reputable physical therapist.
Also, dry needling should never be used on someone with bleeding disorders without consulting a doctor. Dry needling may also cause nerve irritation or damage if needles are inserted too deeply into the tissue, so again, make sure you go to a professional. Lastly, people who are allergic to stainless steel should avoid dry needling, as that is what the needles are made from.
Some people feel sick, tired, or loopy after dry needling, but that is usually only the case for people who react similarly to massage. Symptoms like that will disappear with a large glass of water and a little time(an hour or two).
All in all, the risks associated with dry needling aren’t anything to worry about. If you are someone with a persistent muscular issue, give dry needling a try!
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