Dry needling is an injection technique that involves inserting a sterile, single-use needle into the skin at specific points on the body. This treatment is usually performed by an advanced therapist and has been used for decades to manage chronic pain, accelerate healing after sprains or strains, and reduce scarring from surgery. Dry needling can help people recover from injuries quicker, manage long-term pain, and reduce soreness from overuse. It’s more painful than regular acupuncture, but it does provide similar benefits without the prick of many needles. If you’ve had acupuncture, then think of dry needling as the needing being a little thinker and going a little deeper. Read on to learn everything you need to know about dry needling and its many benefits in your recovery routine.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a type of therapy that involves the insertion of a thin filament needle into specific points on the body. A practitioner uses the dry needling method to help ease pain, speed up the healing process, increase circulation, and reduce pain and inflammation by releasing endorphins. The filament needle is different from an acupuncture needle because it is longer, thicker, and it is more likely to cause injury – and that’s the point. It’s that forced injury that “reactivates” the healing process in the target area. The dry needling technique was first introduced in the 1950s as a way to speed up the process of trigger point injections. Patients who receive trigger point injections experience immediate pain relief, but their bodies build up a tolerance to the injected solution after a few days. Dry needling, on the other hand, is believed to provide longer-lasting pain relief without the risk of developing a tolerance.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
Dry needling is a form of acupuncture with a bigger needle. It utilizes a filament needle to target specific points on the body to elicit an immediate response. Practitioners use the dry needling technique to treat many common issues including chronic pain, headache, low back pain, and more. Dry needling can be performed on a variety of body parts including the head, neck, and shoulders. When a dry needle is inserted into the body at a specific point, it triggers a nerve to fire and send signals to the spinal cord. The signals travel up to the brain, where they are interpreted as a sensation (like relaxation, reduced pain, or improved circulation). Therefore, the dry needling technique is thought to activate the body’s natural healing processes by releasing endorphins and promoting blood flow to injured tissues.
Benefits of Dry Needling
Dry needling is a popular treatment technique because it has the potential to treat a wide variety of issues. Here are some of the benefits of dry needling: – Acute and Chronic Pain – Dry needling has been shown to effectively manage and treat a variety of acute and chronic pain conditions including migraine headaches, low back pain, and others. – Wound Healing – Dry needling can speed up the healing process and help wounds heal faster. It’s a common practice to use dry needling during surgery to reduce scarring. – Sports Injuries – Dry needling can help athletes recover from training-related injuries such as sprains, strains, and overuse injuries. – Anxiety and Stress – Dry needling has been used to treat anxiety and stress for decades. Today, it’s still a popular therapy for treating anxiety, mood disorders, and stress-related issues.
Is Dry Needling Better than Chiropractic?
For some people, it could be. Also, you may just have a lazy or poorly trained chiropractor and in this case, not seeing a chiropractor at all may be better than the one you are currently seeing.
How to Find a Good Dry Needler
Choosing a dry needler is important because you need to trust that they are well-trained and skilled at their job. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting a practitioner: – Licensing and Certification – First and foremost, you should look for a dry needler who is licensed or certified. You can search for licensed dry needlers in your state by visiting the National Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork website. – Experience Level – The next thing you should consider is the level of experience of the practitioner. Make sure they have treated a variety of patients with different conditions to be confident that they can help you. – Treatment Style – Lastly, you should decide what treatment style works best for you. You can choose between a general dry needling session or a targeted treatment. General dry needling offers a general relaxation response, while targeted treatments target specific ailments.
Who Should Try Dry Needling?
Anyone can try dry needling, but it’s especially beneficial for people who experience chronic pain, have minor injuries like sprains and strains, or are dealing with sports injuries. If you’re struggling with pain, depression, or anxiety, dry needling may help you too. People who are pregnant should avoid dry needling because it can stimulate uterine contractions. Dry needling is also contraindicated if you have a bleeding disorder, have had an infection in the area recently, or have a blood clotting disorder. Always talk to your doctor before trying a medical procedure.
How to Prepare for a Dry Needling Session
Dry needling is usually done on a massage table. While reclining, you can lay on your back or your side. It is best to avoid eating a large meal before treatment. If you’re getting dry needling in the head or face, you should be prepared to be fully relaxed. This means closing your eyes and wearing a blindfold or eye mask. You can also wear noise-cancelling headphones to ignore other sounds in the room. If you’re getting dry needling in other areas of the body, you can remain clothed. You can also keep your eyes open if you prefer.
Things to Remember Before Your Dry Needling Session
Before your dry needling session, make sure to tell your dry needler about any medications you’re taking and allergies you have. You should also inform them about any conditions you have, such as an autoimmune disease, lupus, a blood-clotting disorder, or pregnancy. You can prepare for a dry needling session in a variety of ways. You can practice guided imagery, meditate, or listen to music to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. You can also prepare by choosing a spot on your body where you want to receive treatment.
Final Words
Traditional acupuncture uses needles to relieve pain, treat chronic illnesses, and promote healing. However, dry needling is a non-invasive alternative that has the same therapeutic effects as acupuncture. Dry needling uses a single filament needle to stimulate nerves and induce a healing response in the body by triggering the release of endorphins. Dry needling can help people recover from injuries quicker, manage long-term pain, and reduce soreness from overuse. Choosing a well-trained, skilled practitioner is important when receiving dry needling to ensure you get the most out of the treatment.