The Magic of Dry Needling
Dry Needling Treatment
Dry needling is a specialized physiotherapy treatment used to treat various conditions. Have you ever heard of dry needling before? If not, don’t worry! This article will cover everything you need to know about this treatment option, including what it is, what conditions it can help with, and the potential benefits and risks.
You will learn about trigger points, what they are and how dry needling is used to release them. Dry needling is also known as myofascial trigger point dry needling or intramuscular manual therapy. It is a technique that involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin and muscles.
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a type of therapy that involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin and muscles. It is also known as myofascial trigger point dry needling or intramuscular manual therapy. This treatment is used to release trigger points, which are knots that form in the muscle when it is injured or overworked. Dry needling can relieve pain, muscle spasms, and tension headaches.
Dry needling uses needles much thinner than the needles used for injections or blood tests. The needles are inserted into the muscle and moved around until they reach the trigger point. Once the needle is in the trigger point, the therapist will twist or twirl it. This helps to release the knot in the muscle. Dry needling is usually not painful, but you may feel a dull ache or a cramping sensation when the needle hits a trigger point.
Dry needling is performed by a trained physiotherapist or doctor. The therapist will clean the skin with an antiseptic before inserting the needles. Dry needling is usually done in a series of treatments; each session lasts 30-60 minutes.
Dry needling is often accompanied by other forms of treatment, such as massage, stretching, and ice. Your physiotherapist will consult with you on the number of treatments that might be needed to relieve your symptoms.
Are all physiotherapists trained in dry needling therapy?
Not all physiotherapists are trained in dry needling therapy. To perform this treatment, physiotherapists must undergo specific training and certification. The number of hours required for training varies from country to country. In Canada, for example, physiotherapists must complete a minimum of 30 hours of training before performing dry needling.
Here at Bergin Motion in Barrie, Ontario, we have several physiotherapists trained in performing dry needling.
What Conditions Can Dry Needling be Used to Treat?
Dry needling can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
Neck pain
Headaches
TMJ disorders
Tennis elbow
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Sciatica
Plantar fasciitis
Achilles tendonitis
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Muscle pain
Myofascial pain syndrome
Tension headaches
Migraines
What are Trigger Points?
Trigger points are tiny knots that form in your muscles. They can cause pain and tightness in the muscle. When pressure is applied to a trigger point, it can cause referred pain, which is pain that occurs in another area of the body.
Trigger points are often caused by muscle overuse or injury. They can also be caused by stress, poor posture, or repetitive motions. Treatment for trigger points usually involves massage, stretching, or acupuncture. Sometimes, trigger point injections are also used. However, dry needling is one of the more effective treatments for trigger points.
Dry needling is a type of treatment that involves inserting thin needles into the skin. The needles are then moved around to stimulate the muscles and release the knots. Dry needling can be painful, but it is often very effective in relieving pain from trigger points. There is also a risk of bruising or
If you have trigger points, you may feel pain when pressure is applied to the muscle. You may also feel pain in other areas of your body, even though the trigger point is not painful to touch. The pain from trigger points can be sharp, dull, or achy. It may feel like a cramp or spasm. You may always feel the pain, or it may come and go.
See a physiotherapist or other healthcare provider if you think you have trigger points. They can help you find the cause of your pain and suggest treatment options.
What is Myofascial Pain Syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a chronic pain condition that affects the body’s connective tissues. The main symptom of MPS is muscle pain, but the condition can also cause joint pain, headaches, and fatigue. MPS is often caused by muscle strain or repetitive movements and can be aggravated by stress. Dry needling is a treatment option for MPS that can provide relief from pain and other symptoms.
Dry needling is a technique that involves inserting thin needles into the skin to stimulate the release of muscle tension. This treatment can be effective for MPS because it can help break up the cycle of pain and muscle spasm that characterizes the condition. Dry needling can also help to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to the affected areas.
If you suffer from myofascial pain syndrome, dry needling may be an effective treatment option. Talk to your doctor or a qualified dry-needling practitioner to see if this treatment is right for you.
What are the Risks of Dry Needling Therapy?
Dry needling therapy is a treatment that involves inserting thin needles into the skin to help relieve pain. It’s also sometimes called trigger point dry needling or intramuscular manual therapy.
While dry needling may offer some people pain relief, it’s essential to know the potential risks before undergoing this treatment.
Dry needling may cause pain, bleeding, bruising, and swelling at the needle site. It’s also possible to develop an infection from the needles if they’re not sterile. In rare cases, dry needling can damage nerves or cause fainting.
If you’re considering dry needling therapy, talk to your physiotherapist to ensure it’s safe for you.
Conclusion
Dry needling is a therapeutic treatment that can help to relieve pain and improve the range of motion. The needle is inserted into the muscle tissue to help release any knots or trigger points that may be causing pain. This treatment can benefit those who suffer from chronic pain or have a limited range of motion. If you are considering dry needling as a treatment option, be sure to consult with your physiotherapist to see if it is right for you.
At Bergin Motion in Barrie, Ontario, we use dry needling extensively, and our clients are grateful for reducing their pain and increasing their range of motion. We are dedicated to getting you back to the best version of yourself.
Additional Resources
The Mayo Clinic article on what is dry needling.
Heathline article on dry needling vs. acupuncture.
About the Author
Juliana Bergin PT is a certified physiotherapist and one of the owners of Bergin Motion. Bergin Motion is a family-run Barrie Physiotherapy Clinic located in Barrie’s Southend. Juliana specializes in orthopedic injuries. Juliana works with high end athletes as well as weekend warriors. Juliana is part of a team at Bergin Motion in Barrie, Ontario that works with all kinds of conditions.