Dry needling (DN) has become a popular treatment technique of late and one which we use to great effect in our clinic to help reduce a patient’s pain and resolve their presenting injury. It is based on western medicine principals and has proven an effective method for releasing taut muscles and eliminating the myofascial trigger points (MTPs) that often develop in longer standing pain syndromes. Research has shown that DN active MTPs results in a reduction of the biochemical milieu, altered shape of fibroblasts leading to neuromodulation, the activation of pain modulatory regions in the central nervous system and the release of opiate peptides.*
When undergoing DN, a filiform needle is inserted through the patient’s skin into the tight band of muscle or trigger point. They may experience a reproduction of their symptoms, or twitching of the muscle being targeted. The muscle may initially ‘grasp’ the needle, however this is followed by a gradual relaxation of the muscle, after which the muscle will release and lengthen. This results in a reduction in pain and dysfunction of the affected muscles.
Which Patients Would Benefit From Dry Needling?
Because it targets individual muscles, DN is effective in treating any musculoskeletal condition in which muscle tightness and pain are contributing to the condition. This is especially the case in chronic or long standing injuries in which the muscles may have been in spasm or shortened over a longer period of time. Common injuries seen in our clinic which we have found respond exceptionally well to dry needling include:
- Low back pain and sciatica
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Elbow pain
- Generalised muscle tightness
- Sports injuries
It is important to note that it may take 3-4 sessions to eliminate a trigger point completely. However, a number of trigger points can be needled in a single treatment session, getting a greater overall benefit.
If you believe dry needling would prove effective in relieving or eliminating pain in any of your patients, please refer them for an appointment with one of our experienced clinicians today.
* list of references available on request