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Dry Needling FAQ's

dry needling

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a form of treatment used by physical therapists to help with neuromuscular conditions. It involves the use of a thin solid needle that is inserted through the skin. There is no fluid that is injected, hence the term "dry needle." 

 

History of Dry Needling

Dry needling dates back to the 1940s with Dr. Janet Travell.  In her studies of utilizing wet needles to identify trigger points and referral patterns,  Dr. Travel found that dry needles offered some of the same results as “wet” needles (hollow fluid filled needles).

Later in the 1970’s Dr. C Gunn contributed to the technique of dry needling with intramuscular stimulation (IMS). IMS focused more on the nervous system contributing to the cause of pathology. 

 

What does the needle look like/needle type?

Dry needling utilizes a thin, stainless steel filiform needle. It is solid, not hollow. There is no medication injected. The diameter of the needle is typically 0.25mm and the length is dependent on the individual and body part being treated. 

 

What does it do?

Dry needling helps to regulate the autonomic nervous system (ANS) by elevating parasympathetics and decreasing sympathetics. It allows the body to bring itself closer to homeostasis, and amplifies its ability to heal itself without the use of medication. For the musculoskeletal system, dry needling reduces trigger points (taut bands of muscle tissue), and improves the muscle’s ability to contract and relax,helping with pain and muscle tension.

 

How fast can I see results?

Patients can experience results after the first session with both the pistoning and in-situ dry needling techniques. Often, changes can be seen in pain level, mobility or strength. 

 

How many sessions?

The amount of sessions needed will be dependent on the diagnosis and overall health of the client. (Generally, healthier individuals heal with better and faster results.)

 

Does it hurt?

Upon insertion of the needle, you may feel little to no pain. A dull cramping ache typically occurs in dysfunctional muscle tissue. However, symptoms will often dissipate as the needle stays in the tissue. 

 

How long does it take?

The time of treatment may vary from 10 seconds to 30 minutes depending on the technique used. The two most common techniques are the pistoning technique and in situ dry needling (with or without electric stimulation).

 

The pistoning technique is relatively quick.The needle is inserted into the muscle trigger point and quickly moved up and down (pistoning). During the pistoning of the needle, a twitch response of the muscle may occur, causing it to contract. This technique offers a quick reset of the muscle tissue. 

 

In-situ dry needling involves the needles being placed and left in the muscle for at least 15 minutes to help stimulate the autonomic nervous system. This technique helps restore balance of the muscular and nervous system. 

 

Is it acupuncture?

Dry needling is not the same as acupuncture. Sure there are some similarities: use of the same tool (needles), penetrating the skin, as well the ultimate goal of reducing symptoms and restoring the body to homeostasis.

 

Acupuncturists will perform dry needling techniques. However, that is where the similarities end. 

When it comes down to it the differences are: 

 

  • Education Background

  • Treatment Approach

 

I like to say “ same tool, different methodology.”

 

Physical therapists are movement specialists. They are educated in the evaluation and treatment of pain patterns, postures, and faulty movement patterns. They utilize orthopedic testing to determine the root cause of the symptoms. 

 

Dry needling performed by a physical therapist focuses on the treatment of neurological and musculoskeletal conditions as it relates to pain, movement and function. A physical therapist will also utilize dry needling as an adjunct to other treatment modalities, such as joint mobilization, postural education, strengthening, and mobility exercises. 

 

An acupuncturist may or may not use a movement assessment depending on their background. Their evaluation may utilize traditional Chinese medicine, energy fields, and meridians. Therefore, the treatment plan of the acupuncturist will differ from that of a physical therapist as it may not typically involve a mechanical evaluation on how your body moves. Acupuncture also encompassess a broader range of diagnoses outside of the musculoskeletal world, including pain management, fatigue, gastrointestinal, infertility, headache, insomnia, anxiety and depression.

 

Side Effects?

Side effects of dry needling do not always occur. However, the most common side effect of dry needling is soreness during or after the treatment. Other minor side effects include redness of the skin, stiffness, bruising, fainting, or fatigue.

Although extremely rare, other side effects include infection and collapsed lung (only if the treating area occurs in the thoracic region).

 

Can it help me?

Dry needling can help a host of musculoskeletal conditions. However, there are a few individuals in which  it may be contraindicated. 

 

Dry needling can help:

 

  • Lower Back Pain

  • Neck Pain

  • Pelvic Pain/Dysfunction

  • Tendonitis/Tendinosis

  • ITB Syndrome

  • Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (shin splints)

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Headaches

  • TMJ disorders

Those that dry needling is not recommended or cautioned use are:

  • Immunocompromised individuals

  • Pregnant women

  • Bleeding Disorders

  • Vascular Disorders

  • Immediately after operation

  • Individuals with needle phobia


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