Physical therapists and other trained healthcare providers use dry needling treatment to treat musculoskeletal pain and movement issues. It is almost always used with a larger pain management strategy that may include exercise, stretching, massage, and other techniques.Â
A provider uses thin, sharp needles to treat underlying myofascial trigger points during this treatment.
Trigger points are knotted, tender areas of muscle that form. When these trigger points are touched, they can be extremely painful. A trigger point may be close to the source of your pain. However, they are frequently the source of referred pain.Â
Pain that is referred to another part of your body is referred to as pain.
Physical therapists will use needles to relieve trigger points. Dry needling on your muscles and tissues can reduce tightness, increase blood flow, and relieve local and referred pain. Providers use solid needles that are devoid of any medication.
 This is why the technique is referred to as “dry.” There is nothing injected into your body. Trigger point injections are unique. They contain medication and are administered by a physician.
What is the procedure for dry needling?
When your muscle is overworked, it enters an energy crisis in which the muscle fibers do not receive an adequate blood supply. When they don’t get their regular blood supply, they don’t get the oxygen and nutrients they need to return to their normal resting state.
As a result, the tissue near your trigger point becomes more acidic. Your nerves have become sensitized, causing the area to become sore and painful.
Stimulating a trigger point with a needle helps to restore normal blood flow to the area, flushing it out and releasing tension. The prick sensation can also activate nerve fibers in your brain, causing it to release endorphins, your body’s natural pain reliever.
Once a trigger point has been identified, your therapist will insert a needle through your skin and directly into it. They may move the needle slightly to elicit a local twitch response — a brief spasm of your muscle. This reaction may indicate that your muscle is reacting.
Some people experience pain and mobility improvement immediately after a dry needling session. Others require more than one session.
What are some of the advantages of dry needling?
Dry needling has numerous advantages as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. The procedure is inexpensive and widely regarded as safe. If performed by a trained provider, there is a low risk of complications.
According to research, dry needling can help relieve muscle pain and stiffness by releasing trigger points. Removing trigger points may also improve your flexibility and range of motion.
Is dry needling painful?
Trigger points are typically tender to the touch. So, before the needling, you may feel discomfort as your provider locates the trigger point.
You may also experience discomfort as a result of the needling. Because the needle is so tiny, some people do not feel it go in, while others feel a prick. When the needle is inserted into the trigger point, it can cause pain and a twitch response.Â
You may feel tightness or soreness near the insertion site afterward, but it’s critical to keep moving and stretching.
Who should avoid having dry needling treatments?
Certain groups of people should not be subjected to dry needling. Because the procedure can be painful, providers do not recommend it for children under 12. You and your child must both provide consent, and you should first consider less invasive options.
Others who should consult with their doctor before receiving dry needling include:
- Expecting a child.
- Are unable to comprehend the treatment
- Are terrified of needles (trypanophobia).
- Immune systems have been compromised.
- They are taking blood thinners.
What occurs before a dry needling treatment?
Your provider will review your medical history and perform a physical exam before any dry needling treatment. They must determine whether dry needling is appropriate for you. If they believe you are a suitable candidate, they will explain how the treatment works and answer any questions you may have.
Dress comfortably in loose clothing on the day of your treatment. Wear something that makes it easy for your provider to access the treatment area. If not, your provider will provide you with a gown or covering.
The provider will take you to a private exam room or a section of a larger space that has been curtained off. You’ll adjust your clothing as needed, and they’ll position you correctly for your treatment.
What occurs during a dry needling session?
Your provider will first sterilize the treatment area and prep the needle. Then, they’ll use one hand or their fingers to palpate (feel) the site for the trigger point. On the other hand, they will place the needle, surrounded by a plastic guide tube, over the affected area. The guide tube allows your provider to place the needle while working with one hand precisely.
The guide tube will be discarded after your provider gently taps the needle into the top layer of your skin (epidermis). The method used by your provider may differ. The following are examples of standard dry-needling techniques:
- Superficial: Your provider will insert the needle 5 to 10 millimeters above the trigger point into the bottom layer of your skin (subcutaneous tissue).
- Deep: To reach the trigger point, your provider will insert the needle beyond the subcutaneous tissue and deep into your muscle.
Your provider may leave the needle in place for as little as two seconds or as long as 20 minutes, depending on the technique. They could also employ the pistoning tone. This method, also known as the in-and-out technique, involves your provider rapidly moving the needle up and down through the tissue.
During your first treatment, your provider may only use one or two needles. Your provider may begin using more needles after observing your reaction to the method. Your medical condition determines it. For example, back treatment may use up to 15 needles along your spine.
You may experience muscle soreness or twitching during the treatment. These feelings are normal and indicate that your muscles are responding to treatment.
What follows a dry needling procedure?
Your provider will remove the needle after your dry needling treatment and examine your skin for reactions. The needle will be disposed of in a medical sharps container.
Your provider will then instruct you to rise slowly. If you are dizzy, they will have you sit down and rest before leaving the office.
Drink plenty of water after your treatment to stay hydrated. You may experience increased muscle soreness after the treatment, but you must continue to move. This is normal and can last anywhere from 24 to 48 hours. There was some bruising near the treated area. This bruising could last for a week.
