Dry needling is a therapeutic approach that has become increasingly popular among both medical practitioners and patients as a means of treating musculoskeletal pain and inflammation.
It is a minimally invasive technique that involves the insertion of a sterile acupuncture needle into the affected muscle trigger points. By doing so, the muscle fibers are relaxed which restores the normal muscle tone and relieves the painful symptoms.
This simple, fast, safe, and effective treatment can provide long-term relief from myofascial pain and is useful in treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a technique used by physicians, physical therapists, chiropractors, and other healthcare professionals to alleviate pain and improve function. The technique involves inserting thin needles into trigger points, which are hyperirritable spots in the muscle that cause pain and stiffness.
How Does Dry Needling Work for Reducing Inflammation?
Dry needling can help reduce inflammation by releasing myofascial trigger points, which are thought to be the root cause of many chronic pain conditions. Trigger points can cause muscle tension, decreased blood flow, and nerve irritation, leading to inflammation and pain.
Dry needling is a type of physical therapy intervention that involves inserting thin needles into the skin at trigger points in order to help alleviate pain and other related musculoskeletal conditions.
Trigger points are areas of tenderness in the muscles that can be triggered by physical exertion, stress, or trauma. Trigger points are thought to be caused due to the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles and can lead to stiffness, pain, and decreased range of motion.
By inserting needles into these trigger points, dry needling can stimulate the body’s natural healing response, increase blood flow to the affected area, and reduce inflammation. This, in turn, can improve range of motion, reduce pain, and promote healing.
The needles used in dry needling are very thin and used to penetrate the skin and stimulate the underlying muscles. The needles used in dry needling are typically solid, and can be inserted to a variable depth depending on the severity of the condition and the individual’s sensitivity to the treatment.
Once the needle is inserted, it can be manipulated in order to create a twitch response in the muscle, which is thought to help release tightness in the muscle. The twitch response is thought to be beneficial in helping to reduce muscle tension, pain, and inflammation in the affected area.
Additionally, the stimulation of the trigger points can help to improve range of motion, reduce muscle tension, and reduce overall stress levels.
Potential Benefits of Dry Needling for Reducing Inflammation
Some potential benefits of dry needling for reducing inflammation include:
- Improved blood flow to the affected area – Dry needling is a form of trigger point therapy that helps to improve blood flow to the affected area. The technique involves inserting a thin needle into areas of tension and/or trigger points in the muscle. This helps to release tension, increase circulation, and reduce inflammation.
- Reduced pain and stiffness – Dry needling can help to reduce pain and stiffness in muscles and joints. By targeting trigger points and areas of tension, the technique helps to relax the muscle and reduce pain. Additionally, the improved blood flow that dry needling provides helps to reduce inflammation and reduce pain.
- Improved range of motion – Dry needling can help to improve range of motion in the affected area. By targeting trigger points and areas of tension, the technique helps to relax the muscle and reduce pain. This can help to improve flexibility and range of motion in the affected area.
- Increased flexibility and mobility – Dry needling can help to improve flexibility and mobility in the affected area. By targeting trigger points and areas of tension, the technique helps to relax the muscle and reduce pain. This can help to improve flexibility and range of motion in the affected area.
- Improved muscle function and strength – Dry needling can help to improve muscle function and strength in the affected area. By targeting trigger points and areas of tension, the technique helps to relax the muscle and reduce pain. This can help to improve muscle strength and function, as well as reduce stiffness and improve mobility.
- Enhanced tissue healing – Dry needling can help to improve tissue healing in the affected area. By targeting trigger points and areas of tension, the technique helps to release tension and reduce inflammation. This can help to improve tissue healing and reduce pain.
Dry needling may also help reduce inflammation in other parts of the body, such as the joints and soft tissues. This can be beneficial for individuals with chronic conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and tendinitis.
Indications of Dry Needling
| Indication | Description |
|---|---|
| Myofascial Pain Syndrome | Chronic pain caused by trigger points in the skeletal muscles. |
| Myofascial Dysfunction | A dysfunction of the muscles, such as muscle spasm, tension, and tenderness. |
| Tendinopathies | Overuse injuries of the tendon leading to chronic pain. |
| Neuropathic Pain | Pain caused by damage to or malfunctioning of the peripheral or central nervous system. |
| Radiculopathies | Disease or disorder of the spinal nerve root. |
| Fibromyalgia | A chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain. |
| Headaches | A primary symptom of a variety of conditions, such as tension headaches, migraine headaches, and cluster headaches. |
| Joint Dysfunction | Abnormal joint function or motion due to injury, disease, or structural abnormality. |
MD, PhD. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician from São Paulo - Brazil. Pain Fellowship in University of São Paulo.