Dry needling is an evidence-based treatment technique commonly used by myotherapists and allied health practitioners. It is considered a low-risk treatment for soft tissue injuries and chronic pain conditions.
The term "dry needling" refers to needling without pharmacological agents. Dry needling is distinct from "wet needling" because no agents are injected into the treatment site with dry needling. Cortisone, saline and lidocaine injections are all examples of "wet needling" techniques regularly used in medicine.
Instead of traditional hypodermic needles, dry-needling practitioners use solid filament needles, similar to those used in modern acupuncture. Solid filament needles are more comfortable than hypodermic needles.
Despite using solid filament needles, dry needling and acupuncture are two distinct treatments with significant differences.
Acupuncture originated from traditional Chinese and Japanese health philosophies and is used to treat a broad range of health complaints. On the other hand, dry-needling stems from western biomedicine and is based on modern pathophysiological principles. Dry-needling is primarily used to treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.
When is dry needling used?
The current evidence shows that dry needling can help treat,
Acute & chronic low back pain.
Myofascial pain syndrome & fibromyalgia
Neck pain & tightness
Plantar fasciitis
Migraines & tension headaches
Rotator-cuff injuries.
Piriformis syndrome & gluteal tendinopathy.
Post-stroke muscle spasticity.
Arthritic knee pain.
Tennis elbow.
Achilles tendinopathy.
How does it work?
The analgesic effect of dry needling involves complex interactions involving the immune, nervous and hormonal systems.
Research shows inserting a needle into a myofascial trigger point contributes to biochemical changes at the site, leading to neurological desensitization and a disruption of the neurological signalling that contributes to muscle tightness, pain and dysfunction.
The same mechanisms are also involved in wet needling analgesic techniques.
What to expect during treatment
Dry needling will only be recommended as a treatment option if it is clinically indicated.
Some patients may require a single treatment to desensitize an area. However, most patients require three to six sessions.
The patient is positioned comfortably during treatment, usually lying on a treatment bed.
Some minor pain and discomfort are expected when the treatment begins; people often describe the pain as a "pinching" sensation.
The patient will often feel a muscle twitch or spasm at the treatment site. These sensations are normal and generally fade quickly.
The needles remain in place for a few minutes. Although some degree of short-term discomfort is expected, many patients describe the experience as relaxing and do not feel any tender points by the end of the session.
The needles can be easily removed if any sites are too uncomfortable for the patient. Removing needles is generally painless.
Aside from feeling relaxed, the patient may feel reduced muscle tightness and pain at the treatment site after treatment.
What are the risks?
As with all treatments, there are some risks associated with dry-needling. Common side-effects include localized bruising, short-term pain and minor bleeding. Post-treatment drowsiness occasionally occurs but is uncommon. Infection and pneumothorax have been reported as very rare side effects.
Is dry needling for you?
There are various techniques available to treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Dry needling is a popular modality because it has been deemed low-risk, cost-effective and relatively painless. Dry needling is regularly used with other treatment techniques such as corrective exercise and manual therapies.
If you suffer from musculoskeletal pain and are interested in dry-needling, book in for an initial assessment at one of our clinics. After a clinical evaluation, we will decide if dry needling is an appropriate treatment for you.