Dry Needling – Does it hurt?

Dry Needling – Does it hurt?

 “Wait! You want to put a needle where?”

Dry needling is a being used more and more in the clinic as a treatment tool to help decrease pain and increase movement.

Why do we recommend it?  

Dry Needling is used to decrease muscle tension by targeting trigger points (those painful knots in your shoulders!).

The practitioner inserts a fine needle directly into the muscle or trigger point. This stimulates a healing response in the tissue and inhibits pain messages between the tissue and the brain. By using needles we can directly treat muscle tension, trigger points, joint mobility and symptoms of pain and irritation of myofascial origin.

Is there a difference between Acupuncture and Dry Needling?

Acupuncture and Dry Needling use the same needles however the principles of each practice are different.

Dry needling is based on Western scientific research and anatomy. It targets the dysfunctional tissue directly and alters the pain producing biochemicals (such as prostaglandin and bradykin).

Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique. The needles are inserted into acupuncture points along the body’s meridians or energy pathways. Acupuncture aims to clears blockages within these pathways and to encourage the normal flow of Qi (pronounced chi).

What will you feel?

We often get asked – will it hurt?

For each person dry needling feels different. There are often times when a needle can be less painful than when we use our hands (or elbows!) on your sore spots.

You may experience:

·      A slight prick when the needle penetrates skin.

·      A dull ache as the needle meets the trigger point. This ache may refer to other areas of the body.

·      One or more twitches. Called a Local Twitch Response (LTR), this is an involuntary contraction of the muscle when the needle stimulates a trigger point.

·      There may be some tenderness 24 hours after treatment (similar to after a massage).  Stretching and hot/cold application can decrease any post treatment sensations.

The feel good outcomes:

Less pain after treatment. More movement and improved function.

Have you got pain? Give Dry Needling a shot.

See a professional!

Book in for a consultation with one of the

expert practitioners at Performance Medicine

03 9686 2373

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Reference:

Painful and Tender Muscles: Dry Needling Can Reduce Myofascial Pain Related to Trigger Points Muscles

Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy201343:9, 635-635

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