Understanding Dry Needling and Its Role in Chiropractic Treatment

Practitioner performs dry needling therapy on a patient's back, targeting muscle pain and tension.

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique that has garnered significant interest for its role in supporting recovery and managing pain. While often highlighted for its potential benefits, it’s important to understand the process and its therapeutic applications.

‍

What is dry needle therapy?

The technique involves inserting thin, filiform needles directly into trigger points within muscle tissue—areas of muscle fibers that have become tight, irritated, or spastic due to injury, overuse, or chronic stress. Dry needling is used to treat soft tissue injuries, muscle tension, and movement restrictions. The aim of dry needling is to stimulate specific muscular and connective tissue sites, effectively "resetting" tight or dysfunctional muscles. By targeting these trigger points, the therapy promotes relaxation in the affected muscle fibers, helps release tension, and increases blood flow to the area, which is critical for tissue repair and healing.

At Pillar Health Co., we may include dry needling as part of a broader treatment plan that encompasses strengthening, stretching, and manual therapy. This technique is particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with conditions such as myofascial pain syndrome, tendinitis, muscle strains, tension headaches, or chronic joint pain. The targeted approach of dry needling can assist patients in reducing muscle soreness, improving their range of motion, and enhancing the effectiveness of other rehabilitative exercises.

What are the differences between dry needling vs acupuncture?

A key distinction between dry needling and acupuncture is their purpose: dry needling focuses on relieving pain from muscle trigger points, while acupuncture, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, aims to balance the body’s energy flow.

Whether for general pain relief or targeted therapy, dry needling can be used for the following:

• Headaches

• Tendinopathy

• Low Back Pain

• Neck Pain

• Knee Pain

• Sciatica

• Myofascial Pain Syndrome

• TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction)

• Hip Pain

• Muscle Spasms

• Plantar Fasciitis

• Rotator Cuff Tear

• Tennis Elbow

• Consistent Pain Relief

• Fibromyalgia

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Iliotibial Band Syndrome (IT Band Syndrome)

• Joint Pain

• Reduces Stiffness

• Sports Injury

Pros and cons of dry needling

‍

Below, we will look at our dry needling pros and cons list to help determine if it’s the right treatment.

Pros:

• Relieves Trigger Points (Muscle Knots): Dry needling targets specific muscle knots, called trigger points, which often cause pain and limit mobility. By inserting a needle into these areas, it can release the muscle tension, offering immediate relief for some individuals.

• Reduces Muscle Pain and Soreness: One of the key benefits is its effectiveness in reducing pain and soreness associated with muscle injuries, chronic pain, and overuse. This makes it a preferred method in physical therapy for addressing pain that occurs due to muscular imbalances.

• Enhances Muscle Function and Flexibility: By reducing the tightness in muscle tissues, dry needling can improve muscle function and flexibility, which is beneficial for those in rehabilitation. This therapy can aid in the improvement of low back pain, neck pain, and even widespread pain by releasing muscular restrictions.

• Encourages Healing in Deeper Tissue Layers: The needles stimulate deeper layers of muscle tissue that traditional physical therapy techniques may not reach, making it effective for chronic conditions like tendinitis and rotator cuff issues. This deeper muscle activation can help promote long-term healing.

• Offers Quick Relief and Faster Recovery: For many, dry needling immediately improves muscle pain and mobility. This quick response can help individuals continue with other rehabilitation exercises, contributing to faster overall recovery.

• Promotes Blood Flow and Reduces Inflammation: By targeting trigger points, dry needling helps to increase blood flow to the affected area, which can reduce inflammation, a common source of chronic pain. This is particularly helpful in cases of chronic pain or repeated strain on muscles.

Cons:

• May Cause Initial Discomfort or Soreness: Inserting needles into muscle trigger points can lead to initial soreness or discomfort, especially in the first dry needling session. Many patients feel a "twitch" response or muscle ache that can be uncomfortable, though it generally subsides within a day or two.

• Potential for Bruising and Bleeding: Since dry needling involves inserting needles directly into muscle tissue, minor bruising or bleeding can sometimes occur at the needle insertion sites. Although physical therapists use sterile, single-use needles, patients may experience slight bruising that can take a few days to heal.

• Not Suitable for Everyone: Those with specific medical conditions, such as blood clotting disorders, skin infections, or individuals who are needle-phobic or pregnant may find the treatment challenging or unsuitable. For any dry needling pregnancy questions, speak with our team for more information.

• Requires Clinical Expertise: Dry needling must be performed by a physical therapist with specialized training and clinical knowledge of muscle anatomy and trigger points. Without this expertise, improper needle placement could result in muscle damage or limited effectiveness of the treatment.

• Not a Cure-All for Pain Management: While effective for many, dry needling may not resolve all types of pain or injuries on its own, and dry needling side effects are something to keep in mind. It is generally most beneficial as part of a larger physical therapy plan, which may include exercises, stretching, and strengthening activities.

• Limited Evidence on Long-Term Benefits: Although dry needling often provides immediate relief, the long-term effectiveness of this therapy is still being researched. Some experts suggest that its benefits may be temporary, and further studies are needed to confirm consistent long-term outcomes.

‍

Is dry needling effective?

The effectiveness of dry needling may vary based on factors such as the severity of your condition, consistency of treatment, and whether it is combined with other therapeutic practices like functional rehabilitation. Studies suggest a positive success rate for dry needling in providing short-term relief from muscle pain and promoting flexibility, making it a valuable tool for both acute and chronic conditions when included in an appropriate treatment plan. For many patients, dry needling offers immediate relief, enabling them to engage in other rehabilitation techniques with less discomfort. Ultimately, dry needling is a safe and effective option with a growing body of clinical support. If you're interested in learning whether dry needling is right for you, reach out to Pillar Health Co.

‍