dry needlig

Reach Out To Us

    Exploring the Benefits and Types of Dry Needling Therapy

    Content is medically reviewed by:

    Dr. Shakti Singh

    Introduction

    Dry needling, a popular therapeutic technique, has gained considerable attention for its effectiveness in treating a variety of musculoskeletal issues. This is a minimally invasive procedure offered by trained professionals, to alleviate pain and improve mobility. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of dry needling, the conditions it can address, and crucial considerations for those contemplating this treatment.

    What is Dry Needling?

    Dry needling is a specialized therapy that employs fine, sterile needles to stimulate trigger points, muscles, and connective tissues in the body. Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on balancing the body’s energy flow, dry needling is firmly grounded in modern Western medicine and focuses on the musculoskeletal structures.

    How Does It Work?

    The primary goal of dry needling is to release or activate a particular muscle or nerve and reduce pain. Practitioners insert thin needles into specific points of the body, targeting muscle knots, or trigger points, tendons, scars , nerves. This process creates micro-injuries in the affected tissues, which triggers the body’s natural healing response. It promotes blood flow,(1) oxygenates the muscles, increases body’s natural pain threshold (2)and releases tightness, ultimately leading to pain relief and improved mobility.(3)

    Advantages of Dry Needling

    Dry needling offers several advantages:

    Pain Relief

    It is highly effective in reducing pain associated with muscle tightness, spasms, and trigger points.

    Enhanced Mobility

    By releasing muscle tension, dry needling can improve joint range of motion.

    Faster Recovery

    The procedure stimulates the body’s natural healing mechanisms, speeding up recovery.

    Minimally Invasive

    It involves small needles, causing minimal discomfort.

    Complementary Therapy

    Dry needling can be used in conjunction with other physiotherapy techniques for comprehensive rehabilitation.

    Types of Dry Needling

    There are 3 primary types of dry needling:

    Point Dry Needling

    This is the most common form, targeting specific trigger points in muscles to relieve pain and tension.

    Dry Needling

    Involves inserting needles just below the skin’s surface to stimulate sensory nerves, which can help manage pain and reduce muscle tightness.

    Electrical dry needling

    :

    In electrical dry needling,low frequency currents are delivered to the tissues using needle electrodes. (4)

    Who Shouldn’t Get Dry Needling Treatments?

    dry needling is generally safe, there are certain individuals who should avoid or be cautious about this treatment:

    Pregnant Women

    Dry needling in and around the muscles surrounding the abdominal area is not recommended during pregnancy.

    Bleeding Disorders

    Those with clotting disorders, haemophilia should be cautious due to the risk of excessive bleeding.(5)

    Needle Phobia

    Individuals with a strong fear of needles may not be suitable candidates.

    Infections

    individuals presenting with blood related infections should not undergo this treatment until the infection subsided.

    Before and After Dry Needling Treatment

    Before the procedure, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified practitioner who will assess your condition and determine the best course of action. After the treatment, you may experience some mild soreness, slight bruising around the treated point, but this should subside within a day or two. It’s essential to follow any post-treatment instructions provided by your therapist, such as gentle stretches or exercises.

    Physiotherapy Dry Needling Side Effects

    The side effects of dry needling are generally mild and short-lived. Some individuals may experience minor bruising, soreness, or temporary discomfort at the needling sites. Serious complications are extremely rare, but it’s essential to choose a well-trained and certified therapist to minimize risks.

    Common condition dry needling can help

    Neck pain: The neck is a complex structure, with muscles, ligaments, and joints that can become a source of discomfort when they are overused or injured. Chronic neck pain can lead to headaches, reduced mobility, and decreased quality of life.Dry needling targets the specific trigger points in the neck muscles that are causing pain and discomfort including trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, deep cervical extensors. Dry needling into these muscles helps release triggers points, furthermore it helps in relaxation of these muscles and helps improve posture. (6)

    Fibromyalgia : Fibromyalgia affects millions of people worldwide, and its exact cause remains elusive. It’s characterized by chronic, widespread pain, tender points in various areas of the body, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties.Dry needling can target trigger points in the muscles, potentially providing relief from the chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia.Also by releasing muscle tension and knots, patients may experience enhanced mobility and flexibility, which can be particularly beneficial for those with fibromyalgia. (7)

    Low back pain : Low back pain is a widespread issue that can significantly impact one’s quality of life.It can result from various causes, including muscle strain, poor posture, herniated discs, and chronic conditions.Each muscle in the back and pelvic area can develop a trigger point in response the the mentioned conditions and lead to a characteristic pain pattern. Dry needling targets specific trigger points or knots in the muscles of the low back. The insertion of fine needles into these areas creates micro-injuries, which stimulate the body’s natural healing response which relieves pain and decreases muscle spasm.(8)

    Tendinopathy: Tendinopathy is an inflammatory condition that leads to pain swelling, irritation at the tendenous insertion of the muscle leading to pain and inability to use the muscle.It can occur due to repetitive overloading of the tendon.Dry needling in the tendon involves repeatedly fenestration of the affected tendon which halts the degeneration and promotes localized bleeding and fibroblastic proliferation thus leading to healing of the tendon.(9)

    Plantar fasciitis : It is the degeneration of the fascia on the base of foot often presenting as pain the heel with initiation of movement.Insertion of dry needles on the origin and insertion points of plantar fascia along the base and medial border of foot stimulates inflammation in the area due to microtrauma which helps healing.(10)

    Chronic tension headaches : This type of headache occurs due to affected fascia in the pericardial, neck and shoulder region.Dry needling the trigger points in trapezius,masseter, temporalis, frontalis, splenius cervicis and capitis, and sub-occipital muscles helps relive these headaches.(11)

    Knee Osteoarthritis: knee pain due to degeneration of the joint surfaces is extremely common and often a source of disability. Electrical dry needling in the periosteum of bones surrounding the knee joint along with manual therapy and exercises helps alleviate pain and restore function at a greater scale.(12)

    How Senocare can help?

    Dry needling is a powerful therapeutic technique that can offer significant relief from musculoskeletal pain and improve overall mobility.Hence it’s important to seek treatment from a qualified professional and be aware of potential contraindications.We at Senocare India provide at home consultation and dry needling sessions along with carefully created personalised exercise plans to cater to your needs. We help you understanding the advantages, types of treatment so you can make an informed decision about whether dry needling is the right choice for you.

    FAQs

    How painful is dry needling?

    Dry needling can cause some discomfort, but the level of pain experienced varies among individuals depending on the amount of triggers points present and pain perception on the individual. Most people report feeling a mild, temporary pricking sensation as the needles are inserted. The discomfort is usually brief and manageable, and many find the potential benefits outweigh the momentary pain.

    How long do the effects of dry needling last?

    The duration of the effects of dry needling can vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Some people experience immediate relief, while others may require several sessions for longer-lasting benefits. Maintenance sessions may be needed for chronic conditions.

    How many sessions of dry needling are needed?

    The number of sessions required depends on the individual’s specific condition and the response to treatment. Acute issues may improve after just 4-5sessions, while chronic conditions may require a series of treatments over time. Your healthcare provider will assess and determine the appropriate treatment plan.

    Can dry needling damage nerves?

    When performed by a trained and qualified practitioner, dry needling is generally safe and unlikely to damage nerves. However, like any medical procedure, there are potential risks if performed incorrectly. It is essential to seek care from a certified professional.

    Is dry needling better than massage?

    Whether dry needling is better than massage depends on the individual and their specific needs. Dry needling and massage serve different purposes. Dry needling targets specific muscle knots and trigger points, while massage focuses on relaxing and manipulating soft tissues more broadly. The choice between them depends on the condition being treated.

    Who should not get dry needling?

    Certain individuals should avoid or be cautious about dry needling. This includes pregnant women, individuals with clotting disorders, and those with a strong fear of needles. It’s crucial to discuss your medical history with a qualified practitioner to determine if dry needling is appropriate for you.

    What not to do after dry needling?

    After dry needling, it’s advisable to avoid intense physical activity for the rest of the day to allow your body to recover. Doing activities which promote relaxation is advised.Your practitioner will provide post-treatment guidelines to follow.

    Do you bleed during dry needling?

    Dry needling typically does not cause significant bleeding. While there may be some minor pinpoint bleeding at the needle insertion sites due to ruptured capillaries, it is generally minimal and stops quickly.

    Can I apply heat after dry needling?

    Applying heat immediately after dry needling is generally not recommended. It should be applied if advised at least 30 minutes post needling.It’s best to follow the post-treatment recommendations provided by your practitioner. Heat or ice applications may be suitable at a later stage, depending on your specific condition.

    How soon do you see results from dry needling?

    The speed of results from dry needling can vary, but some individuals may experience immediate relief. Others might require several sessions to notice significant improvements. It depends on the condition and individual response to treatment.

    Can needling damage skin?

    Dry needling is designed to be minimally invasive and should not damage the skin when performed correctly. Practitioners use sterile, fine needles that are carefully inserted into the skin without causing damage.

    What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?

    Acupuncture and dry needling both involve the use of thin needles, but they have different purposes and philosophies. Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on balancing the body’s energy flow. Dry needling, on the other hand, targets specific muscle knots and trigger points to release tension and alleviate pain.

    I s cupping better than dry needling?

    Cupping therapy and dry needling serve different purposes, and which is better depends on individual needs. Cupping involves creating suction with cups to promote blood flow and alleviate muscle tension. Dry needling targets trigger points with thin needles. The choice between them depends on the condition and the individual’s response to treatment.

    Bibliography

    1.   Sandberg M., Lindberg L.G., Gerdle B. Peripheral effects of needle stimulation (acupuncture) on skin and muscle blood flow in fibromyalgia. Eur. J. Pain. 2004;8:163–171. doi: 10.1016/S1090-3801(03)00090-9.

    2.   Hsieh Y., Kao M., Kuan T., Chen S., Chen J., Hong C. Dry needling to a key myofascial trigger point may reduce the irritability of satellite MTrPs. Am. J. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2007;86:397–403. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0b013e31804a554d.

    3.   Cagnie B, Dewitte V, Barbe T, Timmermans F, Delrue N, Meeus M. Physiologic effects of dry needling. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2013 Aug;17(8):348. doi: 10.1007/s11916-013-0348-5. PMID: 23801002.

    4.   Lara-Palomo IC, Gil-Martínez E, Antequera-Soler E, Castro-Sánchez AM, Fernández-Sánchez M, García-López H. Electrical dry needling versus conventional physiotherapy in the treatment of active and latent myofascial trigger points in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain. Trials. 2022 Mar 28;23(1):238. doi: 10.1186/s13063-022-06179-y. PMID: 35346331; PMCID: PMC8961901.

    5.   Muñoz M, Dommerholt J, Pérez-Palomares S, Herrero P, Calvo S. Dry Needling and Antithrombotic Drugs. Pain Res Manag. 2022 Jan 7;2022:1363477. doi: 10.1155/2022/1363477. PMID: 35035647; PMCID: PMC8759918.

    6.   Navarro-Santana MJ, Sanchez-Infante J, Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C, Cleland JA, Martín-Casas P, Plaza-Manzano G. Effectiveness of Dry Needling for Myofascial Trigger Points Associated with Neck Pain Symptoms: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med. 2020 Oct 14;9(10):3300. doi: 10.3390/jcm9103300. PMID: 33066556; PMCID: PMC7602246.

    7.   Valera-Calero JA, Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C, Navarro-Santana MJ, Plaza-Manzano G. Efficacy of Dry Needling and Acupuncture in Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Aug 11;19(16):9904. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19169904. PMID: 36011540; PMCID: PMC9408486.

    8.   Lara-Palomo IC, Gil-Martínez E, Antequera-Soler E, Castro-Sánchez AM, Fernández-Sánchez M, García-López H. Electrical dry needling versus conventional physiotherapy in the treatment of active and latent myofascial trigger points in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain. Trials. 2022 Mar 28;23(1):238. doi: 10.1186/s13063-022-06179-y. PMID: 35346331; PMCID: PMC8961901.

    9.   Stoychev V, Finestone AS, Kalichman L. Dry Needling as a Treatment Modality for Tendinopathy: a Narrative Review. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2020 Feb;13(1):133-140. doi: 10.1007/s12178-020-09608-0. PMID: 31942676; PMCID: PMC7083985.

    10.   Dunning J, Butts R, Henry N, Mourad F, Brannon A, Rodriguez H, Young I, Arias-Buría JL, Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C. Electrical dry needling as an adjunct to exercise, manual therapy and ultrasound for plantar fasciitis: A multi-center randomized clinical trial. PLoS One. 2018 Oct 31;13(10):e0205405. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205405. PMID: 30379937; PMCID: PMC6209187.

    11.   Gildir S, Tüzün EH, Eroğlu G, Eker L. A randomized trial of trigger point dry needling versus sham needling for chronic tension-type headache. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Feb;98(8):e14520. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000014520. PMID: 30813155; PMCID: PMC6408118.

    12.   Dunning J, Butts R, Young I, Mourad F, Galante V, Bliton P, Tanner M, Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C. Periosteal Electrical Dry Needling as an Adjunct to Exercise and Manual Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial. Clin J Pain. 2018 Dec;34(12):1149-1158. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000000634. PMID: 29864043; PMCID: PMC6250299.

    Google Reviews

    Senocare
    4.7
    Based on 77 reviews
    powered by Google
    Panchu BiswalPanchu Biswal
    17:33 04 Aug 24
    Sanjeev KumarSanjeev Kumar
    10:16 05 Jul 24
    I am deeply grateful to Senocare Senior Care Services for the outstanding care provided to my father. Dr. Shakti and the entire team were professional, compassionate, and highly attentive to his needs. Their personalized approach and consistent communication gave us immense peace of mind. I highly recommend Senocare for anyone seeking top-notch senior care services.
    Rashi AroraRashi Arora
    00:04 26 Jun 24
    Senocare service started by Punita really works from the heart for our seniors. For us, Senocare really delivered on the promise of being first responders. As we children who live abroad are not able to arrive right away and still worry about emergences at home.Dr. Shakti and her team with Uttam and Prerna were right there with our mother after she had a fall. Fortunately it wasn’t a fracture but they took care of all that was needed… medicines, x-rays and it was a huge mental relief for our parents to have them around. Dr Shakti kept all of us informed through a family WhatsApp group.If you have a similar need for someone to attend to your parents in case of emergencies…..and also regular monthly check ups or take them to doctor visits etc. ……I highly recommend Senocare.
    Manoj ManuManoj Manu
    06:42 11 Apr 24
    Shailendar KaushikShailendar Kaushik
    14:36 09 Oct 23
    All my concerns about my mom's well-being in absence of us siblings, were put to rest on meeting my mom after she had been under the care of Senocare for 2 months. It is quite comforting to know that the experienced & considerate team of Senocare is there for my mom in our absence!
    Ashish KakkarAshish Kakkar
    05:13 05 Jan 23
    I am very thankful to Senocare team who have been extremely helpful in providing the wholesome elder care - including care at home and assisted hospital visits for my parents. Special thanks to Sabina who has been very patient and professional throughout the process. She was always quick in responding and compassionate. She arranged for the complete care for my parents. Kudos to Senocare team for providing such a great and much needed service.
    Jyoti NKJyoti NK
    09:40 05 Jun 21
    Senocare has been the most amazing, helpful, going way beyond anything to help my family. Our family could not have done without them during Covid. This was at the peak when everything was crashing and they stood by me one night till I had the help I needed. During happier days their attitude of how can we make things special, pamper the elderly, take care of their needs is wonderful.The personal touch, care for each little detail is so amazing. I feel I am talking to a family member when I talk to them.
    js_loader
    Talk to us