Dry needling benefits explained
August 16, 2024 9:55 am
Dry needling involves inserting fine filament needles into myofascial trigger points to reduce muscular tension, pain and problems with range of motion. Although other needle-based techniques like acupuncture may be more widely known, dry needling benefits are plentiful!
Whether suffering from sports injuries, acute musculoskeletal pain or chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, many people turn to dry needling to help alleviate discomfort and restore muscle function.
Below, we explain the potential advantages of this modern technique in detail so that you can better determine whether it’s a suitable option for your body. Read on to discover the advantages of dry needling.
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique in which tiny sterile needles are carefully inserted into myofascial trigger points or ‘muscle knots’. The depth and duration of needle insertion depend on the nature and intensity of pain you are experiencing.
This process sparks a twitch response, signalling the brain to repair ‘injured’ tissue and release pain-relieving endorphins. As more blood and oxygen flow to the trigger point, toxins decrease and muscle tension is relieved, in turn, reducing pain and improving range of motion.
Although dry needling utilises needles in a way that may appear similar to acupuncture, these two techniques demand distinct training, involve unique processes and bring their own benefits.
Learn more about how dry needling works, as well as the differences between dry needling and acupuncture.
What can dry needling help with?
Dry needling is typically used to help relieve pain and improve mobility relating to the musculoskeletal system. Common conditions that can be soothed and improved with this technique include:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Knee pain
- Muscle tension and spasms
- Sciatica
- ArthritisTendonitis
- Sports injuries
- IT band syndromeRepetitive strain injuries
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
Not sure if dry needling is the right course of action for your concerns?
The friendly team at Chiropractic Plus is always happy to point you in the right direction. Please contact our friendly team today to learn more.
9 potential dry needling benefits
1. Targeted approach
The first step in your dry needling session is for the therapist to examine your muscles and determine exactly which trigger points need attention. As a result, this technique offers precise pain relief and highly specific improvements in muscular function.
2. Low-risk technique
Dry needling is very safe when performed by experienced physical therapists using sterile needles and proven practices. Potential side effects, such as bruising, bleeding and tiredness, are generally minor and temporary.
2. Natural results
‘Dry’ is included in the name of this technique to highlight the fact that it doesn’t involve injecting any fluid into the body. Instead, dry needling promotes drug-free recovery by stimulating natural healing responses.
4. Less acute pain and tightness
One of the most significant dry needling benefits is believed to be pain relief.
A myofascial trigger point forms when muscle fibres fail to relax after activation, due to injury, stress, nutritional deficiency or some other abnormality. This myofascial trigger point becomes painful to touch, move and stretch if it cannot avail of a fresh, oxygenated blood supply.
Dry needling can improve circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the target area, while at the same time releasing toxins and tension that cause pain.
As mentioned above, this technique may also stimulate signals to your brain to release endorphins that act as natural pain relievers.
Some of our clients report an instant reduction in discomfort following a single dry needling session, while others may require several sessions before feeling significant relief.
5. Reduced chronic pain
Dry needling is favoured for its ability to help alleviate chronic pain in conditions like myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia.
Myofascial pain syndrome is caused by trigger points forming in the fascia, which is the connective tissue around your muscles, nerves and organs.
Meanwhile, fibromyalgia is characterised by widespread pain and tenderness throughout your muscles, which impacts movement.
6. Increased range of motion
Dry needling releases muscles that are too tight and tense to function as desired. Easing muscular tension and pain improves the ability to stretch and move, increasing range of motion and, ultimately, physical performance.
Therefore, this technique is well suited to clients whose injuries are associated with prolonged overuse or incorrect form.
7. Accelerated recovery
After sustaining an injury, recovery can be a long and cumbersome journey. The good news is that dry needling promotes healing so that you can regain your strength and get back to enjoying the physical activities you love most.
By boosting blood and oxygen flow to injured tissues, this technique helps to kick-start the healing response and reduce inflammation.
8. Improved performance
This technique works wonders for sportspeople who place sustained physical strain on their bodies. By stimulating blood flow to the target muscle tissue, dry needling can help to reduce acute pain, repair damage caused by overuse and injury, and restore mobility.
As well as preventing further problems from developing, this assists athletes to keep up stamina and boost performance as they recover.
9. Compatible with other techniques
Last but not least, dry needling is compatible with other therapies. Therefore, it is often incorporated into a wider pain management and recovery plan.
Typically used first to break the pain cycle, dry needling can aid musculoskeletal rehabilitation and restore function in tandem with other techniques, such as physiotherapy.
Book a dry needling session in Newcastle, NSW
Administered correctly, dry needling is a safe, natural and targeted technique that can help to reduce muscular pain and mobility issues, whilst accelerating injury recovery.
From the number of sessions to the depth and duration of needle insertion, it is personalised to your unique requirements for the best results.
Ready to experience dry needling benefits first-hand?
Book an appointment for dry needling in Newcastle NSW with Chiropractic Plus. Our skilled massage therapists are highly trained in soothing pain so that you can feel good naturally.
For more information, please chat with our team in New Lambton or Warners Bay.
