Dry Needling - Information for Patients
Is Dry Needling is the same as acupuncture?
How does it work?
Is it painful?
Are the needles sterile?
How quickly will it work?
What can I do after the treatment?
What conditions can be treated with Dry Needling?
Although Dry Needling uses the same needles as acupuncture, it is not the same technique. Dry Needling is strictly based upon Western medicine principles of treating myofascial trigger points, which are different from traditional acupuncture points.
Pioneering studies by Dr. Jay Shah and colleagues have shown that inserting needles into trigger points causes biochemical changes which alleviate pain. It is essential to elicit local "twitch" response within the muscle, which are the first step to breaking the pain cycle and releasing tight trigger points within the muscles.
The initial insertion of the needle does not usually cause any discomfort. The local twitch response can cause a brief painful reaction. Some patients describe this a an electrical shock or cramping sensation. It is important to remember that the therapeutic effect only occurs by eliciting the twitch response. Therefore, it is the desirable reaction. Most patients describe treatment as feeling uncomfortable, but not painful.
Yes! We only use sterile single-use, disposable needles.
It is common to feel some soreness post treatment as with many manual therapy techniques, however, once this soreness has subsided there should be an improvement in the initial symptoms. Typically, soreness can last anywhere between 1 hour and 2 days post treatment.
You may be advised to use heat or ice over the area after Dry Needling to help alleviate post-treatment soreness. Dry Needling is only one part of your treatment. Other therapy or adjustment will be used to gain the best results.
Dry Needling can be used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal problems. Examples of conditions that can be treated successfully with dry needling include:
Back and Neck Pain, including postural problems and tension
Arm Pain (shoulder impingements, tennis or golfer's elbow)
Headaches
Buttocks and leg pain (including sciatic pain)
Hamstring strains
Knee pain
Calf tightness or cramps