Dry Needling
Trigger-point dry needling involves the insertion of a fine needle, like an acupuncture needle, into the skin and muscle. This invasive procedure specifically targets myofascial trigger points, which are hyperirritable spots palpable as nodules within the taut bands of skeletal muscles.
Trigger points are attributed to an excessive release of acetylcholine from specific motor endplates and can be categorized into Active and Latent Trigger Points.
Active Trigger Points: These points can spontaneously trigger local or referred pain, leading to muscle weakness, restricted range of motion, and autonomic phenomena.
Latent Trigger Points: Although they do not cause pain unless stimulated, latent trigger points may alter muscle activation patterns and restrict range of motion. Both active and latent trigger points cause heightened sensitivity to pain sensation at the trigger point.
Trigger points form due to the development of a taut band within the muscle, initially as a protective physiological response to actual or potential injury . However, their persistence contributes to prolonged pain. Pain associated with trigger points is due to hypoxia and decreased blood flow, leading to peripheral and central sensitization.
Dry Needling Treatments at CoreMovement PT
CoreMovement Physical Therapy offers two types of dry needling services:
Trigger Point Dry Needling: Involves insertion of a needle at trigger points within a muscle eliciting local twitch responses to release and reset the muscle
Neurofunctional Dry Needling: Involves the application of gentle electro-stimulation, at a therapeutic level to influence the nervous system along the pathway where the nerve meets the muscle.
How Dry Needling Works:
Dry needling has shown immediate effects such as increased pressure pain threshold and range of motion, improved muscle tone, and pain reduction in musculoskeletal conditions. These effects are attributed to:
Local Twitch Response: Dry needling elicits a local twitch response, causing localized contraction of affected muscles, altering muscle fibers' length and tension, and stimulating mechanoreceptors.
Effects on Blood Flow: Dry needling induces vasodilation in small blood vessels, leading to increased muscle blood flow and oxygenation, thus alleviating ischemia and hypoxia.
Neurophysiological Effects: Dry needling stimulates local and central nervous responses, promoting homeostasis and decreasing sensitization to pain.
Remote Effects: Dry needling of distal trigger points can have analgesic effects on proximal trigger points, although evidence regarding contralateral effects remains conflicting.
While this drying needling overview may feel too technical, our goal is to help you understand the process and the equipment used so that you know what to expect.
What to Expect After Your Dry Needling Session
Following a dry needling treatment, you are likely to experience two sensations or reactions, depending on individual factors and the extent of the treatment: Soreness and Relief.
Soreness: It's typical to feel soreness or discomfort in the treated muscles, like post-exercise soreness. This soreness may range from mild to moderate and can last for a day or two.
Symptom Relief: While immediate relief is not guaranteed, it is not uncommon to feel a reduction in pain or discomfort in the treated area following dry needling. This relief may vary in duration and intensity. You may also feel improved range of motion and ease of movement in the treated area. Remember: Just because your shoulder or hip feels better the next day after dry needling doesn’t mean the muscle or joint has healed.
There are a few other sensations and reactions to dry needling that you need to be aware of, include:
Bruising: Some individuals may notice bruising or discoloration at the sites where the needles were inserted. This is generally mild and resolves within a few days.
Fatigue: You may feel more tired than usual following a dry needling session, as your body responds to the treatment and works to heal the affected tissues.
Hydration: Drink lots of water! It's important to stay well-hydrated after a dry needling session to support your body's healing process and flush out any toxins released during treatment.
Overall, the day after a dry needling treatment can vary in terms of how you feel, but it's common to experience some soreness and mild discomfort as your body responds to the therapy. If you have any concerns or experience unusual symptoms, be sure to give Dr. Bettie and the team at CoreMovement Physical Therapy.
