Have you heard of, or had, Dry Needling but have no idea what it is?
Dry needling is a valuable adjunct treatment for pain, stiffness and to deactivate myofascial trigger points.
The term ‘Dry Needling’ refers to the insertion of a fine, flexible and sterile needle into soft tissue structures. No fluids are injected into the body, hence the term ‘dry’.
What does Dry Needling do?
Basically, a Physiotherapist, or other therapist who is trained in Dry Needling, finds a tight section of muscle, known as a ‘trigger point’ and inserts the needle into it. The penetration of the needle into the trigger point causes a multitude of chemical reactions; essentially the brain is tricked into thinking that the tissue is being damaged, therefore it sends blood flow to the area, which in turn helps to release the tightness of the muscle/tissue.
What happens after Dry Needling?
Dry needling may cause an increase in pain for one to three days followed by an expected improvement in the overall pain state. The increased pain is related to overactive shortened muscle bands that have not been released and to the soreness caused by the “twitching” of the muscles as a result of the needle insertion. Some experience minimal pain at all; it is highly variable from individual to individual.
There are no rules to follow post-needling. It is encouraged to keep relatively active to stimulate as much blood flow to the area as possible. Heat therapy can also help to stimulate blood flow to the area, so I often encourage a heat pack, shower or path post-needling.
Are there risks or side effects?
Any time a needle is used there is a risk of infection. However, we are using new, disposable and sterile needles, and infections are extremely rare.
A needle may be placed inadvertently in an artery or vein. If an artery or vein is punctured with the needle a haematoma (or bruise) will develop. If a nerve is touched it may cause paraesthesia (a prickling sensation) which is usually brief, but it may continue for a couple of days.
When a needle is placed close to the chest wall, there is a rare possibility of a pneumothorax (air in the chest cavity).
Fortunately, all these complications are not fatal and are readily reversible.
Can everyone have Dry Needling?
Dry needling is generally safe for most people however patients there are some contraindications to (unable to have) Dry Needling, including:
- Clients with a needle phobia/are unwilling to have Dry Needling/are unable to give consent
- First trimester of pregnancy
- Bleeding disorders e.g. haemophilia or if a client is on anti-coagulants
- Recent heart surgery
- Immunosuppressed clients e.g. those with cancer, having chemotherapy or recent radiotherapy
- In the area over a joint replacement (for up to 6 months), breast implant or pacemaker
- Over an area with lymphoedema
In the hands of a skilled practitioner, Dry Needling can be used in most cases the majority of the time and with less energy expenditure on behalf of the practitioner and equal or better effect than other manual techniques currently being used.
Prior to having Dry Needling at Spark Physio Co, you will be provided with a consent form that must be signed. Dry Needling does not have any additional costs to your appointment; it is a part of your treatment if you wish.