Dry Needling Treatment

Benefits of Dry Needling

Dry needling is a technique that has been growing in popularity over the last several years for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation.

Using chiropractic joint manipulation, the Graston Technique® and other Muscle Energy Techniques for the last 15 years, some patients simply have not been able to fully heal and respond as Dr. Churchill of Mid City Chiropractic would like. But with this technique, she has been getting more dramatic results! She is now able to directly reach the problematic area, leading to quicker, more effective healing.

What Is Dry Needling?

It is a method where thin, solid needles are introduced into the skin and muscle / soft tissues to change fascial tension and allow for the relaxation of muscular trigger points that can cause pain and movement dysfunction. These are the same needles that are used in traditional Chinese acupuncture. 

It is called "dry" needling because there is no solution injected into the tissues with the needle. The needle itself creates a healing response at the tissue level.

Commonly Treated Conditions

Is Dry Needling Safe?

Dry needling is an appropriate treatment for nearly all people without a needle phobia, though some contraindications exist. Side effects are usually minimal, but at times you may experience mild symptoms such as muscle tenderness, fatigue, bruising or short-term increases in your presenting symptoms before relief is noticed.

Sterile, individually packed needles are used with proper safety and disposal techniques, ensuring that in the hands of a trained clinician, dry needling is very safe; often resulting in positive results soon after treatment.

How Is It Different From Acupuncture?

The same thin needles are used but the purpose of acupuncture and dry needling is different. Acupuncture is based in traditional Chinese medicine and needles are placed in specified points to unblock energy flow within the meridians of the body, which creates balance and healing for the various organ systems.

Dry needling, on the other hand, is done to relax trigger points or areas of muscular and fascial tension that lead to pain and dysfunction. It is based on the principles of Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles.

Also, acupuncture is often done for 30-60 minutes whereas with dry needling, the process often takes 5-15 minutes depending on the number of areas treated.

How Does Dry Needling Work?

A small, localized inflammatory response is created which restimulates the healing cascade to break down scar tissue / adhesions and recreate a healthy, mobile tissue. The immune system is stimulated locally and also systemically.

By inserting the needle into a contracted, “knotted," tender muscle band, a local twitch response can be created. Research shows this decreases muscle tension, reduces chemical irritation in the area, improves flexibility and decreases pain.

Pain can also be inhibited through the stimulation of the mechanical nerve receptors (for touch, pressure, sensation) through dry needling, leading to opioid-mediated pain suppression in the spinal cord and activation of descending inhibitory pathways blocking painful stimuli in the cord.

Many other positive effects of dry needling are seen but not yet able to be fully explained, as more research needs to be done.

What Does Dry Needling Feel Like? Does It Hurt?

Most patients are pleasantly surprised by the amount of discomfort they experience with the dry needling. There is often a slightly uncomfortable, but very brief, discomfort as the needles are inserted. Then, a dull ache may remain in the area, if anything is felt. If any higher level of discomfort is felt, the needle is quickly removed and the pain stops. Many patients don’t even realize the needles are still in the area after they are inserted and left to sit for a few minutes.

If a local twitch response is created it can elicit a very brief cramping or twitching sensation, but as previously described, this leads to increased tissue response.

How Do I Prepare? What Can I Expect Afterward?

To prepare, wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that can be rolled up or down to access the area of concern. Gowns or shorts are always provided as well.

Treatment response is often seen in a very short amount of time, even within 1-2 visits. It is rare for patients to leave the office without noticing some positive effect, whether it be an increased range of motion, strength, flexibility or decreased pain.

Some patients can take a few hours to a few days to experience relief. Soreness post-treatment is usually fairly low but can be alleviated with the application of ice or heat and with stretching and movement to the treated area.