Dry needling - what is it and how can it help?

We have been receiving a lot of enquiries about Dry Needling (DNT) recently so we thought we would share some information about it. And yes, it is like acupuncture in terms of the needles used but the theory behind DNT is different to acupuncture.

What is Dry Needling Technique (DNT)?

DNT is a technique used to treat muscle pain, tension, and dysfunction. The procedure involves inserting a thin needle into the skin and muscle to stimulate trigger points, or areas of muscle that are tight and tender. Trigger points can cause pain and discomfort, and dry needling aims to release these points by triggering a local twitch response. This twitch response results in a reflexive relaxation of the muscle, which can reduce pain and improve function.

DNT may be effective in treating various musculoskeletal conditions, including:

  1. Neck pain and headaches: may relieve pain and tension in the neck muscles that can cause headaches and neck pain.

  2. Shoulder pain: may be effective in treating conditions such as rotator cuff tendinopathy, impingement syndrome, and frozen shoulder.

  3. Low back pain: may relieve pain and tension in the lower back muscles that can cause low back pain.

  4. Knee pain: may be effective in treating conditions such as patellar tendinopathy, patellofemoral pain syndrome, and knee osteoarthritis.

  5. Hip pain: may be used to treat conditions such as hip bursitis, hip osteoarthritis, and gluteal tendinopathy.

  6. Plantar fasciitis: may be effective in treating plantar fasciitis by reducing pain and tension in the plantar fascia.

It is a low risk treatment technique that can provide numerous benefits. Some of these include:

  1. Pain relief: may relieve pain and tension in the muscles, resulting in reduced pain and improved function.

  2. Improved range of motion: may improve range of motion by releasing trigger points and improving muscle flexibility.

  3. Faster recovery: may accelerate the healing process by improving blood flow to the affected area and reducing inflammation.

  4. Reduced reliance on medication: may reduce the need for medication by providing pain relief and improving function.

We have quite a few. of our practitioners here who are all trained in DNT, both osteos and physio. If you would like to see if DNT can help you, book here with Jacqui, Andrew, James, Holly or Megan.

References:

  1. Dommerholt J, Mayoral del Moral O, Gröbli C. Trigger point dry needling. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy. 2006;14(4):E70-E87.

  2. Cummings M, Baldry P. Regional myofascial pain: diagnosis and management. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology. 2007;21(2):367-387.

  3. Kietrys DM, Palombaro KM, Azzaretto E, Hubler R, Schaller B, Schlussel JM, Tucker M. Effectiveness of dry needling for upper-quarter myofascial pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2013 Sep;43(9):620-34

chronic pain, health & lifestyle, older adults, sporting & injuryMegan MayDNT, dry needling