Dry Needling

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a skilled therapy performed by a healthcare professional. Dry needling involves the insertion of a fine filiform needle into the body. These needles stimulate a healing response in the body. It is a therapy used to treat neuromusculoskeletal issues and problems with movement.

How Is Dry Needling Different From Acupuncture?

Traditional acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Dry needling is rooted in western medicine. There is overlap between the two, and the main differences are discussed in this article from Zhou et al. As with any tool used in medicine, there is overlap among professionals who use the tool. The way the tool is applied is what makes it different from profession to profession.

In Which Situations Would Dry Needling Be Used?

Research is still looking at how dry needling works in both acute and chronic situations. There are several reasons to consider dry needling for treatment. They include, but are not limited to:

Simple muscle tightness
Strains and sprains
An overworked body needing recovery
Muscle activation
Swelling reduction
Pain reduction

Science guides our decision making on when to use the modality, and research continues on the best practices for dry needling.

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What Conditions Can Dry Needling Treat?

Neck Pain

Shoulder Pain

Trigger Points

Hip Pain

Low Back Pain

Headaches and Migraines

Elbow Pain

Calf Pain

Achilles Tendonitis

Plantar Fasciitis

Knee Pain

Sciatica

Golfer's Elbow

Tennis Elbow

Tendonitis

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dry needling for all people?

Everybody is different and their reactions to treatments will be different. In my personal experience, people with low blood pressure and low body fat have a poor response to dry needling. In those cases, the technique can be more painful than clinically desired. Some patients may have a "fight or flight" response to the needles, breaking into a sweat. Others feel completely relaxed during and after treatment.

Does dry needling hurt?

The needle used in the procedure is very thin and most patients don't even feel it go into the skin. If patients do feel some level of discomfort, it is short-lived. Some areas may also be more tender than others when treated.

What are the side effects of dry needling treatment?

Every medical procedure carries its risks and rewards. Your doctor learned and uses safe needling techniques to decrease risks from treatment. Before starting treatment, your doctor will talk with you about the risks involved with dry needling.

How does a medical professional know what therapies, like dry needling, to use?

Right now, a lot of those decisions are based on experience. We practice a clinical art based on science. There is so much art involved in the clinical decision making process. Much of it is left up to the experience and personal successes of the clinician. Evidence always lags behind our clinical practice. But making informed decisions based on current science and known research is always best.

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