What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling!!! What we have here is an increasingly popular therapeutic technique used to treat various orthopedic conditions that has absolutely exploded onto the scene over the last 10-15 years. I probably get asked twice a week about it from various people. In our clinic, we use dry needling mostly to expedite healing and reduce muscle tension. This article will delve into the benefits of dry needling, how it works, and how we incorporate it into our treatments.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling involves the insertion of thin, flexible sterile needles into specific points on the body. Often, we insert them near nerve roots that have become irritated (yes this is safe) and also insert them commonly in tight spots or “knots” known as trigger points. These trigger points are areas of tight muscle fibers that can cause pain and restrict movement. You will actually see higher contractile activity in these areas when measured scientifically. The term “dry” basically just refers to the fact that no medication or fluid is injected with the needles.

See our Service page here regarding our use of dry needling.

How Does It Work?

The primary goal of dry needling is to release muscle tension and promote healing. The quite thin and flexible needle actually creates a small amount of tissue damage. This tissue damage in turn creates an inflammatory response, reactivating the immune system. Ultimately, the immune response resets the healing process and helps expedite recovery and tissue repair. When the needle is inserted into a trigger point, it can cause a local twitch response whereby the muscle spontaneously performs involuntary contractions (usually lasting less than a second or two).

This response helps to release the tension within the muscle, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation. It is also a really good indicator that you have found a specific problem area. The process also stimulates the body’s natural pain-relief mechanisms, including the release of endorphins. Another huge benefit of dry needling is that it allows us to reach deep within muscle tissue (sometimes even up to 4-5 inches below the skin’s surface) to find a trigger point or problem area. This is something we could never accomplish only by using our hands or other tools. 

What is the Difference Between Acupuncture and Dry Needling?

Just about everyone I dry needle asks me this question. Let me start by saying this: Dry needling is NOT acupuncture. And I, my friends, am not an acupuncturist. Acupuncture is an ancient technique developed years ago as part of eastern Chinese medicine, whereas dry needling has developed more through the last century in western medicine. The confusion naturally lies in the discrepancy between the two techniques because they share in the use of monofilament needles. As I stated, it is a technique that I do NOT use, so you would be better off asking an actual acupuncturist how it works. But to give you some idea, an acupuncturist once told me that there are energy channels and pathways that lie within the human body. When we are ill or injured, the flow of energy becomes reduced. He places needles along these pathways to enhance the circuit and increase the ability of that energy to flow freely. I have seen and heard a number of explanations however, and the above description is just one perspective. Here is a description of acupuncture by Cleveland Clinic. Long story short for the difference between the two, it’s the same needle but a different technique.

Conditions Treated

Dry needling can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Chronic Pain: Conditions such as fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome.
• Acute Injuries: Sprains, strains, and other sports-related injuries.
• Tendonitis/opathy: Irritation and inflammation of the tendon attaching a muscle to a bone.
• Headaches: Tension headaches and migraines originating from muscle tightness.
• Joint Pain: Pain in areas such as the shoulder, hip, and knee.
• Back and Neck Pain: Chronic or acute pain resulting from muscle tightness or spasms.

Benefits

1. Pain Relief: Dry needling helps to reduce pain by targeting the source of muscle tension and stimulating the body’s natural pain relief processes.
2. Improved Mobility: By releasing muscle tightness, dry needling can improve range of motion and flexibility, making it easier to perform daily activities and engage in physical exercise.
3. Reduced Muscle Tension: The technique helps to relax tight muscles, reducing discomfort and preventing future injuries.
4. Accelerated Recovery: Dry needling can promote faster healing by increasing blood flow to the affected area and reducing inflammation.
5. Enhanced Athletic Performance: Athletes can benefit from dry needling as it helps to relieve muscle tightness and improve performance by maintaining optimal muscle function.

Our Approach to Dry Needling at Trem Therapy Solutions

As with anything that we do at Trem Therapy Solutions, it is a personalized and safe approach to dry needling. Before being dry needled, a therapist must perform an extensive assessment to identify the specific source(s) of irritation. This allows the them to understand where the needles should be placed for best results and why. Not all patients are appropriate for dry needling and it should only be used circumstantially. Based on the assessment, they can then develop a tailored treatment plan that may include dry needling in combination with other therapies such as manual therapy and corrective exercise. Only when coupled with active techniques can the effects of dry needling truly be optimized. 

Dry needling should always be used as just part of a multifaceted approach to achieve lasting relief and improved quality of life. If you are struggling with muscle pain or tightness, consider scheduling a consultation with us to learn how dry needling can benefit you.

Don’t let pain hold you back any longer. Contact Trem Therapy Solutions today to book your appointment and start your journey to a pain-free life. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality care tailored to your individual needs.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call us directly. We look forward to helping you achieve your health and wellness goals, and hope you found this article helpful!

  Best, Dr. Trem