Trigger Point Dry Needling is a procedure wherein physical therapists use thin needles to deactivate painful muscle knots and relax them. In this process, dry needles are inserted through the skin without medication—putting the targeted muscles into a relaxed state. Relaxed muscles lead to an improvement in mobility and more effortless movement in the long run.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a technique that addresses musculoskeletal injuries and dysfunctional movement. A trained physical therapist inserts a thin filiform needle and targets the trigger points to begin pain relief and healing.
Trigger points are hypersensitive muscular bands that form knots and restrict blood flow. These develop during athletic, recreational, and even occupational activities wherein the muscle is overstressed. Dry needling stimulates these trigger points and knots to release the tension and alleviate pain. Trigger point adhesion increases the range of motion and corrects movement dysfunction.
When a trigger point is needled, you will experience a twitch response. This twitch indicates that the needle has hit the right spot and that the muscle is returning to a normal state. This means that inflammatory chemicals are released, and blood flow is restored to the affected area.
Several dry needle therapy sessions may be needed to regain the full functionality of the affected muscle.
What Are the Benefits of Dry Needling Treatment?
Pain Relief – Dry needling is excellent if you are experiencing pain in specific areas of the body. Needles inserted into trigger points will release inflammation and pressure in the muscles, leading to immediate pain relief.
Repairs Range of Motion – Fluid movement and complete range of motion are necessary to get through your day-to-day activities, whether you’re an athlete or an office worker. Dry needling reduces the stress and relaxes your muscles, thus improving overall function.
Speedy Recovery – Muscle injuries take a significant time to heal. Recovery periods can be reduced, and the healing process sped up through dry needle therapy.
What Conditions Can Dry Needling Treat?
Dry needling physical therapy is often used for patients who suffer from:
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Lower back pain
- Shoulder stiffness
- Knee pain
- Ankle strain
- Swelling/edema
- Plantar fasciitis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- IT Band Syndrome
Is Dry Needling Painful?
The act of pushing a dry needle through skin and muscle can lead to dull aches, bruising, and some discomfort up to 24 hours after treatment. The twitch response mid-treatment can also feel uncomfortable.
Proper hydration, stretching, and application of heat to the affected area can help reduce soreness.
How Is Dry Needling Different From Acupuncture?
Acupuncture and dry needle therapy have some superficial similarities. In both treatments, thin, stainless steel needles are inserted into the skin to help treat pain.
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese tradition where an acupuncturist utilizes their knowledge of a person’s meridians and works on their inner life force (qi). Opening up the internal flow of energy relieves pain and discomfort. This alternative treatment has been done for thousands of years.
On the other hand, dry needling relies on knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy to identify and trigger damaged muscle and tissue.
Conclusion
Dry needling improves flexibility and restores your range of motion when needles are inserted into specific problem areas. If you experience muscular pain and stiffness, dry needle therapy can be a good option for you. Make sure to consult a physiotherapist for the best treatment for your ailment.
If you’re looking for dry needling physical therapy in Calgary, Centre Street Physiotherapy is here for you. We provide the best biomechanical assessment, physiotherapy, and exercise therapy services for our patients. Let us help you improve your physical wellness. Contact us today to book an appointment!
