Trigger Point Dry Needling Therapy
If you are experiencing pain in any part of the body due to an injury, muscle strain or physical and emotional stress then you surely need treatment. Sometimes muscles develop knots which are called trigger points and cause severe pain. At times medication or clinical trials fail to relieve pain and that is when dry needling therapy comes to rescue. The technique involves pushing a very thin needle through your skin and muscle to stimulate the trigger points. The pricking action of the sterile needle helps in reducing inflammation, relaxing the tight muscles and thus reduces pain. A dry needling technique is believed to have long-lasting results.
Dry Needling Physical Therapy
The existing medications are not very effective in terms of completely relieving the pain. Dry needling physical therapy helps in providing effective treatment and is being widely used in treating several ailments such as tendinitis, spine-related problems, joints pain, cramps, difficulty in movements and many more.
Along with other physical therapy techniques, therapists worldwide are using this invasive technique. Though the acupuncture needle is used to relieve pain, acupuncture and dry needling are two different techniques. With the growing popularity of physical therapy, this technique has proved to be the most effective way of relieving pain.
Dry needling treatments is usually practiced by physical or sports therapists and include three different types of therapies:
- Intramuscular stimulation: The needle is directly inserted into your muscles and targets the trigger points
- Superficial dry needling: The needle is inserted superficially on the skin surface, about 3 to 4 mm above the trigger point
- Intramuscular electrical stimulation: At least two needles are inserted to release the tight muscles and stimulated with light currents
Dry needling targets mainly myofascial trigger points. The muscle knots are studied beforehand to ensure accuracy and then the needles are inserted properly. The technique helps in releasing the muscle knots which relaxes the muscles and helps in decreasing pain. It also helps to restore your range of motion. The practitioner inserts the sterile needle into the muscle or skin depending upon the type of pain. The needle will remain inside for some time and the duration is decided by the practitioner. Sometimes, the needle is used to prick the trigger point and it is removed immediately. You may experience slight pain during the treatment which is considered to be a good sign.
Dry Needling For Neck
You may be facing difficulties in moving your neck around or suffering from neck pain while reading books or while working. You may be experiencing pain due to improper sleeping posture, abrupt movements, stress, muscle strain or injury. Dry needling has amazing results and is the most recommended therapy for neck pain. During neck pain, you may suffer from arm numbness, pain in the shoulders or stiffness. A sterile acupuncture needle is inserted into the muscles of your neck or on the skin surface to release the myofascial trigger points.
What Are Trigger Points
Trigger points are focal, hyperirritable spots located in a taut band of skeletal muscle. They produce pain and often accompany chronic musculoskeletal disorders. Acute or repetitive trauma may lead to the development of stress on muscle fibers and the formation of trigger points. Patients may have regional, persistent pain resulting in decreased range of motion of the affected muscles and joints.
What Is Trigger Point Dry Needling
The treatment involves inserting a needle directly into the muscle tissue, and targeting the affected tissues or trigger points that cause pain in the muscles, tendons or joints. As a result, the trigger points get desensitized, thereby stabilizing the motion and function of the muscle. It is rapidly gaining popularity as a good complement to traditional physical therapy treatments.
When handled by a skilled professional, Dry Needling can also be an excellent diagnostic tool. Some deep tissue injuries such as contractures, tight muscles and myofascial trigger points may not be readily discernible on MRIs, CT scans or X-rays. Dry Needling allows a skilled therapist to figure out the difference between normal and injured myofascial tissue, and allows for precise manipulation of deep tissue.
Are Acupuncture And Dry Needling One And The Same
While the idea of injecting needles into the skin resembles acupuncture, the similarities end there. Acupuncture is a Chinese tradition that aims to balance the energy flow in the human body. Dry Needling is based on western medicine and the scientific study of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, and is used to treat myofascial pain symptoms and promote healing.
What Are The Possible Outcomes Of Dry Needling And How Does It Work
Dry needling provides instant physical relief from acute and chronic pain from sciatica, fibromyalgia, muscle spasm, tendinitis and all muscle related issues. Repetitive manipulation of the needle in the trigger point results in relaxation of tight muscles and strengthening of weak muscles. The effect is almost immediate, and the therapist is then able to manipulate the relaxed muscles.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Dry Needling Therapy
Dry needling provides almost instant physical relief from acute and chronic pain. Patients suffering from sciatica, fibromyalgia, muscle spasms, tendinitis and all muscle related issues make excellent candidates for Dry Needling therapy.
Would I Feel Any Pain With Dry Needling
The process of dry needling is not painful, and patients cannot feel the insertion of the needle. There could be an associated twitch, such as a muscle cramp or the feeling of a very mild electric shock. Practitioners consider these twitch responses a good sign.
During the session, some patients might feel some heaviness in their limbs that subside within a maximum of 48 hours. Otherwise, patients often describe a dry needling session as relaxing and describe a sense of wellbeing after sessions.
Is Dry Needling Safe
Dry Needling is a safe modality, and unlike Trigger Point Injections, it does not usually cause any side effects. In very rare cases, some patients may experience soreness of the treated area for a few hours.
A Helpful Tip
Please wear clean, comfortable clothing when you arrive for a session. Sweaty or dirty clothes might hinder with the efficacy of your treatment session.
At RVA Physical Therapy, our therapists are trained and certified in Dry Needling therapy. If you suffer from myofascial pain and think you might benefit from Dry Needling, or if you need more information, please give us a call. Our therapists will be happy to assist you.
For best Dry Needling treatments in Virginia, visit RVA Physical Therapy