Dry Needling: Your Questions Answered

Physiotherapists have a comprehensive toolkit of therapies on hand to treat their clients. One therapeutic technique gaining popularity for its effectiveness in managing musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction is dry needling. 

Put simply, dry needling involves the insertion of fine needles into specific trigger points within muscles with the aim of alleviating pain and improving function. These trigger points are areas of increased sensitivity within the muscle tissue, often characterised by tight bands of muscle fibres, tenderness, and referred pain.

You may have heard about dry needling, read a little about it, or even had it recommended by someone you know. Before jumping in, you probably have a few questions or concerns.  

Let’s look a little deeper.

 

Isn’t that acupuncture?

Dry needling may sound like the same thing as acupuncture, with both involving the use of fine needles, but the two practices are quite different.

Unlike acupuncture, which originates in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is grounded in Western studies of anatomy and neurophysiology.

Acupuncture focuses on balancing the flow of energy (Qi) along meridians in the body. These traditional meridian points may not always correlate with anatomical structures recognised in Western medicine. Dry needling targets specific anatomical structures, such as trigger points, nerve endings and connective tissues, based on Western anatomical knowledge.

 

How does dry needling work?

The practice of dry needling involves using fine needles to release trigger points, which are hyperirritable spots within a muscle that can cause pain and restricted movement. Inserting needles into these trigger points stimulates a twitch response, leading to relaxation of the muscle and subsequent pain relief.

From a neurophysiological perspective, dry needling works by stimulating sensory receptors in the muscles and connective tissues, leading to various physiological responses. These can include the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters, which help modulate pain perception, promote relaxation and even increase pain tolerance.

Furthermore, the insertion of needles may promote tissue healing by increasing blood flow to the affected area and triggering the body’s natural healing response.

Numerous studies have provided evidence supporting the efficacy of dry needling in various musculoskeletal conditions, including myofascial pain syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder impingement.

 

Does dry needling hurt?

While the sensation experienced during dry needling can vary from person to person, it is typically minimal, with some clients not feeling it at all. As the needle reaches the trigger point, a local twitch response may occur, resulting in a brief sensation some describe as a mild electric shock or a momentary cramping feeling. This reaction is a normal part of the therapeutic process.

Depending on the technique employed, you may feel a heaviness in the limbs. Others report feeling a sense of pleasant relaxation. Following the session, it is common to experience muscle soreness for up to 48 hours.

To alleviate any discomfort, applying heat or ice to the needling site, as recommended by your practitioner, can be helpful. Staying hydrated by consuming plenty of fluids aids in the body’s natural healing process. 

 

What conditions can it treat?

Dry needling is a safe therapeutic approach widely used for addressing various musculoskeletal conditions. It has been used to treat a range of issues including shoulder pain, rotator cuff pain, biceps tendinitis, iliotibial band syndrome, Achilles tendinitis, low back pain, tennis elbow, whiplash or neck pain, headaches, muscle strains, hip pain, and temporomandibular pain, commonly referred to as TMJ.  
Studies have provided evidence that dry needling may decrease pain and increase pressure pain threshold when compared to control/sham or other treatments.

 

Are there any side effects or risks?

Any side effects of dry needling are typically mild and temporary. These may include soreness at the needle insertion site, bruising or a temporary increase in symptoms. Serious complications are rare when dry needling is performed by trained professionals.
Prior to any treatment, your existing symptoms and medical history will be discussed to ensure dry needling can safely be undertaken.

 

How many sessions are typically required?

The number of sessions required varies depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Some people experience significant improvement after just one session, while others may require multiple sessions for optimal results. Your physiotherapist will work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

 

Is dry needling safe?

Dry needling, when conducted by qualified practitioners, is a safe and effective therapeutic technique. At Cairnhill Physiotherapy, our physiotherapists undergo comprehensive training and certification in dry needling techniques, equipping them with the expertise to administer treatments with precision and care. 

As with any treatment undertaken at Cairnhill Physiotherapy your dry needling will take place in a hygienic environment, with the use of sterile, single-use needles to prevent any risk of infection.

Our practitioners always consider your individual needs and medical history and tailor a treatment plan accordingly to ensure safety and effectiveness. And, of course, if you have any questions at any point, we are only too happy to answer them.

Dry needling is an increasingly popular technique for treating musculoskeletal issues, offering proven therapeutic benefits and a strong safety record. We invite you to talk to our team of highly skilled physiotherapists and find out how dry needling might help you manage pain and optimise function and overall well-being.