Dry needling is a treatment technique using a thin, sterile needle to target myofascial trigger points (tight knots in muscle or scar tissue). It reduces inflammation, relaxes stiff muscles, and boosts circulation to the area. Sometimes, this can provide immediate pain relief and increased mobility; however, it’s not suitable for everyone; consult your therapist before scheduling a treatment.
Relieves pain
Dry needling helps relieve pain by activating your body’s defenses and bringing blood and nutrients to the injured area. Additionally, it encourages muscles to release tension that’s causing you discomfort. Your physical therapist or licensed acupuncturist will identify your trigger points and apply needles to each one. During each treatment, the needles stay in your muscles for a few seconds to improve circulation and dissipate inflammatory mediators.
Many patients report feeling reduced pain after just one session, however some may need more than one treatment to achieve maximum benefit.
At each session, your provider carefully cleans and holds or pinches off trigger points before inserting very fine, sterile needles. They then stimulate nerve fibers nearby, releasing chemicals and increasing blood flow to the point.
Restored mobility
Dry needling helps you regain mobility by relieving muscle tightness and improving blood flow. A physical therapist or licensed acupuncturist inserts thin, dry needles into your muscle or trigger point area to relieve pain.
Trigger points are knotted areas of tissue that can cause pain and tenderness when touched. They may also become chronic sources of discomfort throughout other parts of your body.
At your first session, your therapist will evaluate your pain and mobility to identify if trigger points are contributing to your symptoms. They then use dry needling techniques to release or inactivate the trigger point.
Some patients experience an immediate reduction in pain and movement after a single dry needling session, though it may take multiple sessions to achieve maximum benefits. Your therapist will customize your treatment plan based on individual needs and objectives.
Increased strength
Dry needling helps to restore neuromuscular coordination, relax muscle tension, and enhance pain control. It also increases muscle tone and sensitivity to movement, leading to greater strength and stability.
Dry needles target trigger points or areas of intense tenderness within muscles. They touch, tap, or prick tiny nerve endings or neural tissue (called sensitive loci) known to contribute to muscle pain and dysfunction. Unlike other therapies like massage, which may injure healthy tissue around the trigger point, dry needling gets at the source of the problem.
Researchers in a 2021 study reported that one dry needling session significantly improved sensory motor function and hypertonia (tight muscles) among people with chronic stroke. Another 2017 study published in Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy demonstrated how dry needling helped decrease spasms, increase range of motion, and enhance function and quality of life for individuals suffering from various conditions.
Reduced inflammation
Dry needling reduces inflammation by targeting the trigger points that cause pain in the muscle or connective tissue surrounding them, known as fascia.
During treatment, your provider sterilizes the area and inserts a needle into the trigger point. They may wiggle the needle around slightly to trigger a local twitch response—a brief spasm of muscle.
Most people experience an immediate improvement in their symptoms following treatment, though it may take several sessions for long-lasting relief.
Functional dry needling (FDN) is a therapeutic technique that uses small, fine needles to treat myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), knotted muscle areas that can cause discomfort elsewhere on the body. By loosening these knots within muscles, FDN also improves flexibility and decreases pain.
If you are experiencing back pain, sciatica, or shoulder pain, our team at Direct Orthopedic Therapy can help. We offer various services, including mobile physical therapy, to assist you in your recovery. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an appointment with our specialists.
