Dry Needling Explained: From Pain Relief to Recovery

If you have ever stepped into the realm of conservative manual therapy before you are probably well acquainted with the terms acupuncture or dry needling. Even if you have never received the therapy, you probably know someone who has told you the slightly terrifying explanation of becoming a human pin-cushion, only then to hear them say that their pain "magically disappeared".

I write magically disappeared in quotes, because despite the unsavoury images and feelings that people often conjure with the association of multiple needles being inserted into their bodies, people often have great therapeutic relief. This relief is found in people who have been experiencing both short- and long-term pain.

Throughout this post we will demystify the magic of acupuncture and dry needling by explaining how it works, the effects it has on the human body, why it is effective for helping to treat pain, and finally, explaining different conditions it is often used for.

Understanding the Difference Between Acupuncture & Dry Needling

When it comes to understanding the world of alternate medicine the terms "dry needling" and "acupuncture" are often used synonymously. The neutral territory of a small cylindrical needle, which then gets inserted into the body, is where the commonality between these two is drawn. However, this is also where the similarities between the two ends.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that has been used for thousands of years. The premise of acupuncture is based around the concept of balancing the body's energy which is called QI. This is done by inserting a thin sterile needle into different points along meridians. Meridians are channels that travel through the entire body and carry the vital energy of Qi.

Acupuncture targets a broad range of health issues including stress, digestive problems, and chronic pain by addressing imbalances in the body's energy flow. In acupuncture needles are often left in place for long periods of time and may be manipulated to enhance the flow of Qi.

Dry Needling

Dry Needling on the other hand, is a more modern approach to Western medicine and focuses more on specific musculoskeletal issues (muscles, tendons, joints, nerves). Whereas acupuncture focuses on restoring the balance of QI, dry needling specifically targets musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction by releasing trigger points and restoring normal muscle function and tone.

Dry needling typically involves inserting a thin sterile needle for a shorter time and focuses on stimulating the muscle tissue directly. Oftentimes, an electrostimulus unit is hooked onto the needles. The electrical impulses travel through the needles which cause muscles to contract repeatedly, resulting in muscle relaxation.

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Understanding the Effects of Dry Needling on the Body

If you have read this far, you might be thinking that it seems a little counterintuitive to take a needle and then stick it into a muscle that is already sensitive/ painful. Won't it make it worse? If this is your thought process then you are not alone. This is where the "magic" of dry needling comes into play.

Trigger points are knotted tender areas that develop in muscles that are overworked. These trigger points are highly sensitive and can be painful when touched. Overworked muscles experience an energy crisis when they are not receiving adequate blood supply - what's the big deal? Why is blood supply so important you might wonder.

Well, the problem is that blood is the main nutrient supplier of the body. All of the oxygen and waste in the body is carried via the blood, so when the muscle does not get enough blood, it also does not get enough oxygen and waste begins to build up in the muscle. When waste builds up, the tissue near the trigger point becomes more acidic, nerves become more sensitized to pain, which causes the area to be sore and painful.

When a needle gets inserted into a trigger point 3 main events occur almost simultaneously:

1. Metabolic response: Dry needling helps to re-establish normal blood supply to the muscles which helps to flush out excess waste as well as release tension.

2. Neuromuscular response: After a needle has been inserted into a muscle there will be a local twitch response of that muscle. This involuntary contraction of the muscles helps reset the muscles normal tone and reduces sensitivity to pain.

3. Endorphin release: Needle insertion can stimulate the release of endorphins. Endorphins are hormones which act as the body's natural pain killers.

While the above three main effects of dry needling occur almost instantaneously, there are other phenomenon's that also occur within the twenty-four hours after needling:

1. Reduced pain: Other effects that occur within the body from dry needling are desensitization of pain receptors. The human body is filled with millions of sensory receptors whose sole job is to detect pain. Dry needling helps to desensitize these receptors, which helps to reduce their perception of pain in the targeted areas.

2. Decreased inflammation: The insertion of needles causes microtraumas to occur. These microtraumas then promote the body's natural healing response, which includes a reduction in local inflammation and increases the production of anti-inflammatory agents within the body.

3. Improved neural function: Dry needling can enhance the communication between nerves and muscles by improving the function of the neuromuscular junction. The neuromuscular junction plays an important role in muscle activation and coordination.

   
   

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Conditions That Can Be Treated with Dry Needling

Dry needling is a modern approach on Western medicine to specifically treat "musculoskeletal" conditions, but what does that really include? Below is a list of different conditions that dry needling can be effective for treating or aiding in treatment of:

• Joint issues such as osteoarthritis

• Disc/ spinal issues

• Tendonitis

• Migraine and tension - type headaches

• Jaw and mouth problems such as temporomandibular (TMJ) disorders

• Whiplash

• Repetitive motion disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome

• Chronic pain

• Sport injuries

• Postural issues

• Rehabilitation - dry needling can be used during post-surgical rehabilitation

Dry needling is a modern, evidence-based approach rooted in an ancient technique that has en practiced for more than a thousand years. Despite its historical origins, this method has been adapted to a more modern approach with a focus on muscles, joints, and nerves, making it a valuable tool in today's therapeutic practices.

Although the idea of inserting needles into the body may seem daunting or even intimidating to some, it's important to understand that dry needling is a relatively safe and well-regulated procedure. When performed by trained professionals, it can offer a wide array of therapeutic benefits.

The primary effects of dry needling are pain relief, enhancing blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and promoting recovery. Dry needling serves as an effective and modern complement to traditional therapeutic methods, offering patients a pathway to relief and improved well-being.

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Your Next Steps

If you experience a condition that can be treated with dry needling, or would like more information on how it can help you personally, schedule a complimentary consultation for Chiropractic Treatment.