Trigger Point Dry Needling | Chiropractor

Dry needling has often been confused with acupuncture, but the two are different. While professionals perform both techniques using thin needles, there are some differences. Unlike acupuncture that has been around for thousands of years, dry needling is a new technique.

Both techniques aim to treat pain by inserting needles into the skin. Dry needling works by stimulating trigger points or irritated muscles.

Understanding Dry Needling

Understanding this technique can help you to make informed choices about the best treatment for you. Dry needling, also known as intramuscular stimulation, is a treatment that eases muscular pain. During treatment, the practitioner will insert several needles into the skin. The filiform needles are short, fine, and are made of stainless steel.

They do not inject any fluid, hence the use of the term “dry.” The needles are placed in the muscle or tissue trigger points. These are the areas where the muscle is hard or knotted. This helps to release the knot, relieving the pain or spasms.

Myofascial Trigger Point

The trigger points are highly irritable knots that form within a muscle. These sensitive nodules can form a tight band in the muscle. This can trigger pain that can be local or further away. The condition can lead to loss of mobility and function as well as extreme discomfort.

Dry needling will target these trigger points to ease pain and discomfort. The needles remain in the skin for a while. The duration will depend on the individual situation.

Conditions Treated With Dry Needling

Dry needling can treat several conditions. The minimally invasive treatment has proven to be effective in providing relief for some conditions. Some of these include muscle strains and spasms, overuse and acute muscle injuries, neck and back pain, and tension headaches. Other conditions are sciatica, joint pain, plantar fasciitis, and tendinopathy, such as Tennis Elbow.

Benefits of Dry Needling

Dry needling can help to provide relief for muscular stiffness and pain. Easing the trigger points can help to improve the range of motion and improve flexibility. The technique is useful in treating muscle pain, sports injuries, and pain due to fibromyalgia.

It can lengthen and relax tight muscles. It can help to release compression of blood vessels and nerves that supply the muscle. Research supporting the technique is quite limited, but it has proven effective for relieving mild and moderate pain.

Side Effects of Dry Needling

There are some mild side effects associated with dry needling. The side effects include bleeding, bruising, and temporary soreness. Failing to use sterilized needles can lead to infection and the risk of contracting diseases.

Most practitioners do not have formal training on the treatment. This means that there is currently no consistency in practice. However, most practitioners agree that the practice is safe. Some practitioners are qualified to provide the treatment, and there have been positive outcomes after dry needling. Dry needling is suitable for use with other therapies.

To know more about trigger point dry needling, visit Advanced Spinal Care at our office in Charleston, South Carolina. You can also call 843-350-5022 to book an appointment today.