Many people are not comfortable with needles. But there’s actually one method that uses needles that can greatly benefit those who are dealing with musculoskeletal injuries. When it comes to lower migraines, back pains, and sports injuries, dry needling has proven time and again how beneficial it is to those who are suffering from these problems. If you want to know

Introduction to Dry Needling

Trigger point dry needling (TPDN) or Dry Needling (DN) are skilled techniques specifically performed by trained chiropractic physicians or physical therapists. Using high-quality dry needling supplies, these experts perform tried and proven techniques to help a person manage neuromusculoskeletal injuries and pain. And at the same time, the patient also addresses any movement dysfunctions.

Using a dry and thin filiform needle, it is penetrated into the skin, muscles, and fascia to target trigger points and treat any adhesions and damage on the connective tissues. There are no medications used during the treatment. Dry needling will help relieve pain and speed up the healing process. Dry needling is commonly used to treat various types of conditions but mostly to relieve and treat pains and injuries like headaches, neck pain, shoulder stiffness, lower back pain, knee pain, and more.

Dry Needling vs Acupuncture

Many people think that dry needling and acupuncture are the same. But in reality, they do involve needles but they are very different treatment processes. It is important that you know the difference between these two first before you try any of them.

• This is an ancient traditional Chinese treatment technique studied and practiced for thousands of years. This focuses more on working on the person’s inner balance, qi, energy, and life force.
• Dry Needling. This determines the source of your pain. For this treatment process to be successful, the practitioner needs to be knowledgeable about skeletal and neuroanatomy. This will help them identify any damages or if there are any sensitive, injured, or overused tissues, trigger points, taut bands. An extensive examination is conducted before the treatment process starts.

Is Dry Needling Painful?

Some people think that anything that involves needles is painful. And when it comes to pain, each person has a different level of tolerance. You have to remember that what’s used in dry needling are thin, filiform needles but are solid enough to penetrate the skin. They cause little-to-no sensations for most. There may be dull and mild aches during the treatment and up to a day post-treatment, but it is very minimal.

Also, some patients experience the ‘twitch response’ during treatment but this will only last for a couple of seconds. To reduce soreness, it is advised to keep your body hydrated and to do minimal stretching. Moving the body and warming up the muscles can reduce pain. You can also try massaging your muscles to help stimulate the tissues and ease the soreness.