Dry Needling: Everything You Need To Know Before Getting the Treatment

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Dry needling is being studied more and more as a viable method for treating musculoskeletal ailments, and the more we learn, the more widespread its use will become. Dry needling is helpful for the most common muscle, tendon, ligament, and joint ailments found in a doctor’s office, including low back pain, migraines, and sports injuries.

More and more doctors are using this treatment, so it’s crucial to understand what it is, how it works, and what ailments it may cure. Here are seven things you need to know before getting help.

A Definition of Dry Needling

Dry needling, often called trigger point needling, is a method used by chiropractors and physiotherapists to treat pain and dysfunction in the musculoskeletal system.

To treat adhesions, trigger points, and connective tissue, dry needling employs a tiny, filiform needle to penetrate the skin, fascia, and muscles. By releasing a trigger point adhesion, healing may proceed more quickly and pain can be alleviated. Additionally, joint range of motion can be increased and movement dysfunction can be corrected.

How Does It Differ From Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a centuries-old Chinese practice that relies on the concept of energy pathways or meridians. Acupuncturists are trained to concentrate on these areas since these are where a patient’s inner harmony, vitality, qi, and life force may be positively influenced. Physical, tongue, and pulse examinations are all part of the diagnostic process. For thousands of years, people have studied and used a technique called traditional acupuncture.

The success of a Dry needling session is dependent on the therapist’s in-depth understanding of musculoskeletal and nervous systems. With this information at hand, one may pinpoint overworked or injured muscle groups, tense bands, and trigger points.

Movement analysis, orthopaedic assessment, and a full neurological workup including myotomal and dermatomal tests are all part of the comprehensive examination used by dry needling practitioners.

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Trigger Point

A trigger point is a hypersensitive, painful-to-compress area of muscle or fascia that is made up of tense bands of muscle or fascia that constrict blood flow, resulting in localised areas of pain, discomfort, and sometimes motor dysfunction.

When muscles are used beyond their stress tolerance, trigger points may form, which can disrupt normal recovery during work, play, or any other activity in which muscles are engaged. Dry needling is distinct from other forms of treatment because it targets specific trigger points and works to relieve pain by releasing tension there.

The Twitch Reaction

The twitch reaction occurs when a defective portion of a muscle is palpated, or in this example, when a dry needle is inserted. One of the purposes of needling a trigger point is to cause this, which results in the quick relaxation of a tense muscular band and a reduction in localised muscle stiffness and pain.

Pain, stiffness, and even brief episodes of twitching or cramping are all symptoms of a tight muscle or one with a trigger point. By releasing inflammatory chemicals from the trigger site and restoring blood flow, the twitch response restores the muscle to its natural condition.

The local twitch response is an involuntary contraction caused by a reflex in the spinal cord that is activated by sudden palpation or the insertion of a needle. When the patient twitches uncontrollably, it’s a good sign that the needle is in the appropriate place.

In What Ways Can Dry Needling Therapy Hurt?

Dry needling is a technique that involves inserting a fine, filiform needle into the skin, fascia, and muscles to treat adhesions, trigger points, and connective tissue in order to promote healing and reduce pain.

The majority of patients will feel slight, dull discomfort during treatment and for up to 24 hours thereafter. Rapid ‘twitch reaction’ causes brief pain, but it quickly fades away.

Mild to severe muscular discomfort during the treatment is to be expected. The length of muscular pain may be shortened by consuming plenty of fluids, stretching, keeping active, and applying heat to the affected areas. Mild muscular discomfort and bruising are possible side effects.