Effectiveness of Dry Needling in Musculoskeletal pain conditions.

– by Sakshi Duseja, Physiotherapist

Dry needling is a technique in which a fine needle is used to penetrate the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and muscle. It is most commonly used to treat trigger points, which are sensitive, palpable, taut points/band in a muscle.

Trigger points can develop because of muscle overload, overuse and repetitivemovements,These trigger points can disrupt your muscle function, restrict your range of motion or cause pain and tenderness.

Dry needling is a safe technique for treating many musculoskeletal conditions, including shoulder pain, rotator cuff pain, biceps tendinitis, iliotibial band syndrome, Achilles tendinitis, low back pain, tennis elbow, whiplash or neck pain, headaches, muscle strains, hip pain and temporomandibular pain. The needles remain in your muscle for a short period — between 10 seconds and 20 minutes — during treatment. This depends on the treatment location, number of needles used, and treatment goals.

 There are 4 major benefits of Dry Needling technique:

  1. Pain relief: Pain improves as the knot releases and the blood flow to the area improves. Increased blood flow means that the muscle gets oxygen to speed up the healing process.
  2. Improve mobility: Trigger points usually limit your range of motion. Releasing those trigger points will improve your mobility and flexibility.
  3. Chronic pain: Dry needling is one of the best techniques to relieve chronic pain. It is very affective in conditions like fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome. 
  4. Easily tolerable: As opposed to other trigger point releasing techniques like manual facial release (MFR) and massage, dry needling is more easily tolerated by many patients and gets the same, or sometimes better result.

Differences between acupuncture and dry needling

Similarities between acupuncture and dry needling. Both techniques involve insertion of needles into the body Both use thin and sterile needles inserted into specific parts of the body Both dry needling and acupuncture stimulate the body’s natural healing process by releasing endorphins and other natural pain-relieving chemicals. If you like more information please contact Sakshi via reception or email. We will also be happy to book you in for a session if you are looking for Sakshi’s expertise in this area.  
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