You might have heard your health practitioner mention dry needling before, or you might’ve even had it done yourself. But what is it, how does it work and how is it different from acupuncture?
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is the use of a thin, solid, filament needle inserted through the skin, but doesn’t deliver any substances (like you would do with say a flu injection for example), hence the name; dry needling. Its goal is to target myofascial trigger points to aid in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Targeting trigger points can help reduce local pain or referred pain (pain felt in a different area). Dry needling is often used by allied health practitioners such as osteopaths, physiotherapists, chiropractors and myotherapists.
How does it work?
There are a couple of different mechanisms in which dry needling is believed to work. One theory is that by creating small microtraumas to the area there is a migration of inflammatory cells which promotes collagen repair. It works by reducing the tautness of trigger points and relieving muscle tightness. It also increases blood flow and oxygenation to the area. It also may be useful for chronic pain, related to central sensitisation, or how your body perceives pain signals.
Sometimes your muscle might involuntarily twitch when the needle is inserted, but this is completely normal and most people find it very tolerable.
What may it help with?
There are many people and conditions in which dry needling may be useful. Some of the most common conditions dry needling is used to treat include, but are not limited to;
It can help by reducing muscle pain, increasing range of motion through improved flexibility and mobility, and enhancing healing and recovery via improved circulation. The philosophies of osteopathy and dry needling often go hand in hand, as we are working to help the body help itself.
How is it different from acupuncture?
The needles used in both dry needling and acupuncture are the same, but it comes down to the origin, theory and application of the needles. Acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and the concept of energy (Qi) flowing through meridians in the body. Acupuncture is used to treat a variety of health complaints that aren’t restricted to musculoskeletal problems and may be used to treat ailments from hayfever, allergies, skin complaints, gastrointestinal issues and more. Dry needling, on the other hand, is based on western medicine and anatomy, focusing on target specific musculoskeletal complaints.
Is dry needling right for me?
Dry needling can be a valuable tool in helping with pain and recovery, especially when integrated into a broader treatment and management plan. Talk to our team about how dry needling might be appropriate for you!
