Dry Needling: How It Works to Relieve Pain

Dry needling is a treatment that helps with muscle pain and movement problems. Let's explore what it is and how it works.

•         Dry needling targets muscle trigger points to relieve pain
•         It's different from acupuncture, based on modern science
•         Can help with various pain issues including back, neck, and shoulder pain
•         Generally safe when performed by trained professionals
•         May be used alongside other physical therapy treatments

     
    
What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is when a trained healthcare provider inserts thin needles into specific spots in your muscles. These spots are called trigger points, and they're like knots that can cause pain. The needles don't inject anything, which is why it's called "dry" needling

Dry needling is different from acupuncture even though they both use needles. Acupuncture is based on Chinese ideas about energy in the body. Dry needling is based on modern science about how muscles and nerves work.

How Does Dry Needling Work?

When the needle goes into a trigger point, it causes a little twitch in the muscle. This twitch can help the muscle relax and reduce pain. It's like giving your muscle a tiny wake-up call to stop being so tense.

The needle stimulates the nervous system, causing the body to release natural pain-relieving chemicals. This can help with pain and function in areas beyond just the treated muscle.

  Key Benefits of Dry Needling
 

•     Increases blood flow to treated areas

•     Reduces inflammation in muscles

•     Helps muscles heal faster

•     Improves range of motion

•     Reduces pain in the short terms

•     Relaxes tense muscles

What Does the Science Say?

Scientists have been studying dry needling to see how well it works. Here's what they've found:
It can help reduce pain in the short term for many people.
It works about as well as other treatments like massage or stretching.
It might be best when used along with other types of physical therapy.

More research is needed to understand all the long-term effects. Some studies suggest that dry needling may be particularly effective for certain conditions, like chronic low back pain and plantar fasciitis. The effectiveness can vary depending on the skill of the practitioner and the specific condition being treated.

What Can Dry Needling Treat?

Dry needling can help with lots of different pain problems. Some of the things it might help with include:

• Back pain<
• Neck pain<
• Headaches
• Knee pain
• Tennis elbow
• Fibromyalgia
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Shoulder pain

https://cornerstone-health.uk/pages/soft-tissue-therapy Soft tissue therapy, which includes dry needling, can be a great way to deal with these kinds of issues. It's often used as part of a treatment plan that may include other therapies like exercise, manual therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Is Dry Needling Safe?

When done by a trained professional, dry needling is generally safe. But like any treatment, it can have some side effects. Most of these are minor and go away quickly. Serious problems are very rare, but it's important to go to someone who knows what they're doing. In extremely rare cases, more serious side effects like pneumothorax (collapsed lung) can occur, especially when needling is performed near the chest or lungs. This is why it's important to see a qualified practitioner.<

What Happens During a Dry Needling Session?

If you decide to try dry needling, here's what you can expect

• Your therapist will ask about your pain and medical history.
• They'll feel your muscles to find the trigger points.
• They'll clean your skin where the needles will go.
• The thin needles will be inserted into the trigger points.
• The needles might be left in for a few minutes or moved around a bit.
• After the needles are removed, you might do some stretches.
   

The whole thing usually takes about 15-30 minutes. Your therapist may also give you advice on exercises or stretches to do at home. It's common to have multiple sessions, as the effects of dry needling can build up over time.

Is Dry Needling Right for You?

Dry needling can be a helpful tool for managing pain, but it's not for everyone. It's best to talk to a healthcare provider to see if it might work for you. They can look at your specific situation and help you decide.

Factors that might influence whether dry needling is appropriate include:

• Your specific pain condition and how bad it is
• Your overall health and any medications you're taking
• How comfortable you are with needles
• Other treatments you've tried and how well they worked

If you're curious about trying dry needling or other ways to manage pain, check out what Cornerstone Health has to offer. We have the expertise to guide you through your options and help you find the best way to feel better.

Conclusion

Dry needling is a treatment that uses tiny needles to help with big pain problems. While it might sound a bit scary, many people find it helpful for managing their pain. As scientists learn more about how it works, we'll understand even better what dry needling can do.

Remember, everyone's body is different, so what works for one person might not work for another. The key is to work with a healthcare provider to find the right mix of treatments for you. Whether it's dry needling, exercise, or something else, there are lots of ways to tackle pain and feel better.

If you're dealing with pain and want to learn more about your options, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional. They can help you understand if dry needling or other treatments might be a good fit for you. With the right approach, you can take steps towards a more comfortable, pain-free life.