Dry needling is a modern treatment that is commonly used by physiotherapists, chiropractors, and other healthcare professionals to alleviate pain and muscle tightness. This treatment involves thin, solid needles that are inserted into the trigger points of the muscle.
Dry needling has numerous benefits, including reducing pain, improving range of motion, and promoting muscle healing.
When a needle is inserted into the trigger point, it stimulates the nervous system, which helps to relax the muscle and reduce pain.
Dry needling is also a non-invasive and cost-effective treatment option, making it an attractive option for patients who are seeking pain relief without the use of medications or surgery in Edmonton, AB.
Turning Point Physical Therapy has brought the benefits of using dry needling. In this article, we will discuss dry needling benefits and risks. Moreover, you will better understand if you need dry needling or not.
What Is Dry Needling and How Does it Work?
Dry needling is a modern treatment technique that is becoming increasingly popular among physiotherapists and other healthcare providers.
It is a treatment technique that uses thin needles which are inserted into the skin without any injection of medication.
The procedure of dry needling is designed to address pain or impaired function by targeting the trigger points, which are tight areas or knots that are commonly found in the muscles.
When pressure is applied, these tight areas cause referred pain or discomfort, leading to muscle function impairment, decreased range of motion, and restricted blood flow.
During dry needling, the therapist will insert the needle through the skin and muscle, targeting these tight knots. The needle causes micro-trauma in the muscle fibers, increasing the blood flow to the affected area and inducing a healing response from the body.
This action helps in reducing pain and improving the function of the muscle. Dry needling is a very effective technique as it helps in breaking up the trigger points in the muscles, which can lead to faster relief from pain.
It is a technique that can be used on various body parts where muscles exist, including the neck, back, shoulders, and legs. Dry needling is typically considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed healthcare provider.
Benefits Of Dry Needling
The following are some of the dry needling benefits in Edmonton, AB:
Pain Relief
Dry needling is primarily used to relieve pain, and it is an effective treatment for many kinds of pain, including chronic pain, muscle pain, and joint pain. The needles are inserted into specific areas called trigger points, which are located in tight muscles.
By inserting the needles into these trigger points, the muscles are stimulated, which can lead to the release of tension and a reduction in pain.
Improved Range of Motion
Dry needling can also help to improve the range of motion. Tight muscles can restrict movement, making it difficult to participate in activities of daily living or engage in exercise.
By targeting the trigger points and releasing tension in the muscles, dry needling can help to improve the range of motion and increase flexibility.
Faster Recovery
Dry needling can help to speed up the recovery time from injuries. By releasing tension in the muscles and promoting blood flow to the affected area, dry needling can help muscles heal more quickly. Additionally, dry needling can help to reduce inflammation, which can also decrease recovery time.
Reduced Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms can be painful and disruptive to daily life. Dry needling can help to reduce the frequency and severity of muscle spasms by providing stimulation to the affected muscles. This can lead to a reduction in pain and an improvement in overall quality of life.
Cost Effective
One of the benefits of dry needling is that it is a relatively cost-effective treatment option. Compared to other treatments for pain and muscle tension, such as medications, physical therapy, and surgery, dry needling is a more affordable option.
Improved Posture
Poor posture can lead to chronic pain, especially in the neck and back. Dry needling can help to release tension in the muscles that are responsible for poor posture, leading to an improvement in posture over time.
By improving posture, dry needling can also reduce the risk of future pain and injury.
Reduced Headaches
Dry needling can be an effective treatment for headaches, including tension headaches and migraines. It is one of the effective benefits of needling on the face. By targeting trigger points in the muscles that often contribute to headaches, dry needling can reduce the frequency and severity of headaches over time.
Improved Athletic Performance
Athletes often use dry needling to improve their athletic performance. Tight muscles can hinder performance by limiting the range of motion and causing pain.
By releasing tension in the muscles, dry needling can help athletes to move more freely and without pain, ultimately leading to better performance.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Many people carry tension in their muscles as a result of stress and anxiety. Dry needling can help to release this tension, promoting relaxation and a reduction in stress and anxiety.
Additionally, the endorphins released during dry needling can create a sense of calm and well-being.
Non-Invasive Treatment
Compared to other treatments for pain and muscle tension, such as surgery, dry needling is a non-invasive option. There are no incisions and no need for anesthesia, making it a safer and less intimidating treatment option for many people.
Conditions That Can Be Treated with Dry Needling
Dry needling is a versatile therapy that can help treat a wide range of conditions. As you know the benefits of dry needling physiotherapy in Edmonton, AB, let’s take a look at some of the conditions it can heal. Some of the conditions that can be treated with dry needling include:
Chronic Pain
One of the most significant benefits of dry needling is its ability to relieve chronic pain. This therapy can effectively reduce pain caused by conditions such as fibromyalgia, migraines, tension headaches, and arthritis.
Sports Injuries
Dry needling is commonly used to treat sports injuries such as sprains, strains, and muscle tears. This therapy can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing.
The benefits of dry needling for runners are popular among athletes since they get much relief from pain and other injuries.
Whiplash
Dry needling is an effective treatment for whiplash, a common injury that occurs when the neck is forcefully jerked back and forth. This therapy can help reduce pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and back.
Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms can be very painful and can limit movement in the affected area. Dry needling can help alleviate muscle spasms, allowing patients to move more freely and comfortably.
Headaches
Dry needling is often used to treat tension headaches and migraines. This therapy can help alleviate pain and tension in the neck, shoulders, and head, reducing the frequency and severity of headaches.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and stiffness. Dry needling can help relieve pain and stiffness associated with fibromyalgia, improving the quality of life for patients.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and wrists. Dry needling can help alleviate these symptoms by reducing pain and inflammation.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the elbow, forearm, and wrist. Dry needling can help reduce pain and inflammation, allowing the affected area to heal more quickly.
Who Should Avoid Dry Needling?
While dry needling is generally safe and effective, and you get the benefits of dry needling with electrical stimulation, there are some people who should avoid it altogether.
People with Bleeding Disorders
People who have bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia or thrombocytopenia, should avoid dry needling.
This is because dry needling can cause bleeding, which can make their condition worse. People with bleeding disorders are at risk of excessive bleeding, and the use of needles can increase the risk of bleeding complications.
People with Skin Infections
Dry needling involves puncturing the skin with needles, which can introduce bacteria into the body. Therefore, people with skin infections should avoid dry needling. The needles can spread the infection to other parts of the body and cause further complications.
Pregnant Women
Women who are pregnant should avoid dry needling, especially during the first trimester. There is not enough research to determine the effects of dry needling on the developing fetus, and it is best to err on the side of caution.
Dry needling can also cause discomfort and pain, which may not be ideal for pregnant women.
People with Needle Phobia
Some people have a fear of needles, which can cause increased anxiety, stress, and panic during dry needling. While some people may be able to manage their fear, others may find it overwhelming and should avoid dry needling altogether.
It is important to communicate any fears or concerns with your healthcare provider to find a more suitable treatment option.
People with Pacemakers
People with pacemakers should avoid dry needling. The electrical currents that are generated by the needles can interfere with the proper functioning of the pacemaker, which can be dangerous.
Conclusion
Dry needling is a safe and effective technique for treating many musculoskeletal conditions. However, there are individuals who should avoid dry needling altogether due to their specific medical conditions or personal preferences.
If you are considering dry needling, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine whether it is a suitable treatment option for you.
You can also Contact Turning Point Physical Therapy in Edmonton, AB, to better understand the benefits of dry needling.