Dry needling is a treatment performed by skilled, trained chiropractors, medical doctors, and physical therapists certified in the procedure. Dry needling involves taking a thin, monofilament (also known as filiform) needle and gently penetrating the skin, into an underlying muscular trigger point, in order to manage pain and movement impairments.

Dry needling, sometimes known as intramuscular stimulation, or myofascial trigger point dry needling, can be an effective therapy for individuals with musculoskeletal conditions. There are a variety of benefits that result from dry needling, and this safe, non-aggressive, drug-free treatment can assist individuals to achieve their health goals, especially regarding pain relief.

Benefits of Dry Needling

Dry Needling Can Help Relax Tight Muscles

The most commonly described therapeutic benefit of dry needling is the direct effect of trigger point therapy. Trigger points are tight spots in the muscle where the muscle fibers are overly contracted, similar to a “mini-cramp” of the tissues. Dry needling involves placing the tiny needle into the trigger point area, causing the muscle to relax and stop cramping. Most patients report feeling a loosening of the tight muscles during and after their first dry needling session. The release of these tight muscles goes a long way in helping someone to experience pain relief.

Dry Needling Can Improve Blood Flow

Dry needling an active trigger point does more than cause the tight muscle fibers to relax. Once these micro-cramps relax, it allows the body to send more blood to the previously constricted area. This increase in blow flow helps nourish the tissues, and remove inflammatory chemicals from the area. Some patients report a warming sensation, or a “wooshing” feeling during dry needling, as the blood flow increases to the area.

Dry Needling Can Create Endorphins

Dry needling causes the release of hormones and neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) that affect how your body perceives pain. Your body has it’s own inner pharmacy. It is able to create opiates for pain relief, and neurotransmitters for joy, happiness, and more. Dry needling has been show to stimulate opiate peptides, little chemicals that suppress pain, and give a better sense of well being. These chemicals that are produced through dry needling techniques help to block the transmission of pain information to the brain and spinal cord.

Dry Needling Can Increase Range of Motion

Dry needling improves muscle activity by relaxing active trigger points, increasing blood flow, and blocking pain signals to the brain. This triple combination of improvements, allows the muscle to be relaxed, and able to move through a greater range of motion. Once the muscle moves more, the muscle fibers are able to reestablish appropriate communication with the brain and spinal cord, and maintain the new gains in muscle activity.

Dry Needling Can be Used to Treat Chronic Pain

Pain can result from a variety of injuries and conditions. If the body does not effectively manage and overcome the initial injury, then the body will adapt and create a new “normal.” This new normal frequently consists of recurring problems of muscle trigger points, pain, loss of motion, and impaired musculoskeletal activity. Chronic pain is described as pain that lingers for more than 3 months. Dry needling is an effective therapy for chronic pain, and should be considered when someone is not responding to other treatment options.

Dry Needling Helps Reduce Pain

There are numerous benefits to dry needling. A trained practitioner is able to reduce pain and inflammation throughout the musculoskeletal system, relaxing muscle trigger points, increasing blow flow, releasing endorphins, restoring range of motion, and even helping old, lingering injuries. Dry needling is an effective treatment option for pain relief.

Do you have pain? Are you tired of taking pain relievers and muscle relaxers, and nervous about how they may be affecting your body? Contact our office to schedule an appointment to meet with one of our doctors in order to determine if dry needling could be an appropriate treatment option for you.