Orthopaedic Trigger Point Dry Needling
Dry
Needling is a very successful medical treatment, which uses very thin needles
without any medication (a dry needle) to achieve its aims. Dry Needling is used
to treat pain and dysfunction caused by muscle problems. Studies have also
shown it to treat sinus trouble, headaches, and nerve problems amongst a host
of other ailments. Dry needling is especially effective
in those areas which are muscle dense, e.g. gluteals and hips. Deep tissue
treatment in these areas can sometimes be uncomfortable, tender and can bruise
the tissue due to the pressure applied trying to reach the deeper layer of
muscles. However, with the dry needling the therapist can go straight to the
area that needs to be treated without causing bruising or exquisite tenderness
.The benefits of Dry Needling frequently include more than just relief from a
particular condition. Many people find that it can also lead to increased
energy levels, better appetite and sleep as well as an enhanced sense of overall
wellbeing.
How does
dry needling work?
Dry needling (also known as trigger point needling) is a scientifically proven form of treatment to treat trigger nerve endings. The needle is inserted into the skin and muscle directly at the myo-fascial trigger point. A myofascial trigger point consists of multiple contraction knots, which are related to production and maintenance of the pain cycle. When the needle is inserted, very often a local twitch response is experienced which is the first step in breaking the pain cycle. After a dry needling treatment the area in the muscle which has been treated feels much softer and relaxed and the person will feel looser. Research has shown that dry needling releases the chemicals which cause pain from the knotted muscle fibres.
Dry needling (also known as trigger point needling) is a scientifically proven form of treatment to treat trigger nerve endings. The needle is inserted into the skin and muscle directly at the myo-fascial trigger point. A myofascial trigger point consists of multiple contraction knots, which are related to production and maintenance of the pain cycle. When the needle is inserted, very often a local twitch response is experienced which is the first step in breaking the pain cycle. After a dry needling treatment the area in the muscle which has been treated feels much softer and relaxed and the person will feel looser. Research has shown that dry needling releases the chemicals which cause pain from the knotted muscle fibres.
Is Dry Needling similar to acupuncture?
There are
many similarities and many differences between dry needling and acupuncture.
Dry Needling newer, more modern technique then acupuncture. It is not
Acupuncture. Acupuncture is part of
the traditional Chinese medicine using principles such as energy flow as its direction for treatment, whereas Dry Needling is strictly based on Western medicine principles and research using the anatomy of the body especially the muscles as its corner stone.
the traditional Chinese medicine using principles such as energy flow as its direction for treatment, whereas Dry Needling is strictly based on Western medicine principles and research using the anatomy of the body especially the muscles as its corner stone.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Is
dry-needling safe?
Yes,
studies have shown that it is one of the safest forms of medical intervention
known. It is far safer than using drugs. Only sterile disposable needles are
used.
What can Dry Needling help?
Dry needling can be used for a variety
of musculoskeletal problems. Muscles are thought to be a primary contributing
factor to the symptoms. Conditions which respond to dry needling include, but
are not limited to:
- Muscle Spasms
- Headaches
- Frozen Shoulder
- Tennis elbow
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Golfer's elbow
- Fibromyalgia
- Sciatic Pain
- Buttock pain
- Leg pain
- Hamstring strains
- Shin splints
- Hip Pain
- Knee Pain
- Repetitive Strain Injuries
- Jaw Pain
Are there any reasons why I should not
have dry-needling?
There are very few. If you are taking
anticoagulant medicines such as warfarin, or if you have skin infections near
the trigger points, then needling should not be used. Obesity and pregnancy are
also contraindications to dry needling.
Where do you find Trigger Points and Myofascial Pain?
Just about anywhere! In the muscles across the shoulders and in the neck
they are a common cause of persistent headache. In the spine they cause back
pain and in the buttock muscles cause hip and leg pain. Around the knee they
cause pain referred to the knee and around the elbow they often cause pain
similar to tennis elbow. They are a very common cause of shoulder pain.
Does dry-needling hurt?
The needle is so sharp and thin you
will not feel it enter your skin. The twitch
or Local Twitch Response elicits a very brief (less than a second) painful
response. Some patients describe this as a little electrical shock; others feel
it more like a cramping sensation. The therapeutic response occurs with the
elicitation of the Local Twitch Responses and that is the desirable reaction. The amount of pain
felt seems to vary from person to person, but almost everyone agrees the relief
of pain from the treatment is well worth the "investment".
Most
patients report muscle soreness after the procedure over the area treated and
into the areas of the referred symptoms. Typically, the soreness lasts between
a few hours and two days. Some people may be very tired after the treatment.
What should I do after Dry Needling?
Our
recommendations vary depending on the soreness you have on the individual
response to the treatment. You might find icing the area will help or by stretching the treated
muscle as much as possible, 10 seconds by 3 at a time.
How long does it take for a procedure to work?
Typically, it
takes several visits for a positive reaction to take place. Again, we are
trying to cause mechanical and biomechanical changes
without any pharmacological means. Therefore, we are looking for a cumulative
response to achieve a certain threshold after which the pain cycle is
disturbed.
Why is my doctor not familiar with dry needling?
Dry Needling
is a relatively new method for treating myo-fascial pain and not everyone is
already aware of the effective modality.
How does dry needling fit into Physical therapy?
Dry Needling
is a new and effective way of treating pain. As it is based on the anatomy of
the muscles
Of the body, dry needling synchronizes
with physical therapy treatment perfectly.
Personally i feel dry needling and soft tissue work well together to loosen up the tight muslce and help reduce any pain.
For more information contact our galway clinic Phone: 0861957378 | Email : darren@sportsinjurytherapy.ie
www.sportsinjurytherapy.ie