The Ins and Outs of Dry Needling: Pros and Cons

Dry needling, a technique that has gained significant popularity in recent years, can be considered a form of neuromuscular therapy or acupuncture technique. It involves the insertion of thin needles into specific trigger points in the body to relieve pain and improve muscle function. While dry needling has been praised for its effectiveness, it also has its fair share of critics. In this article, we will delve deeper into the pros and cons of dry needling to help you make an informed decision about whether it is the right treatment option for you.

Introduction to Dry Needling

Before we delve into the pros and cons, it's important to understand what dry needling is. Dry needling is a technique used by acupuncturists, physical therapists and other healthcare professionals to treat myofascial pain. The term "dry" refers to the fact that the needles do not inject any medication into the body. Instead, they are used to stimulate the muscles and nerves in the body.

The technique involves identifying and inserting a thin needle into a trigger point in the muscle. Trigger points are tight knots of muscle fibers that can cause pain and limit movement. By inserting the needle into these points, the therapist can help to release the tension and alleviate pain.

Other names for dry needling and related terms include:

• Trigger Point Dry Needling

• Intramuscular Stimulation

• Trigger Point Therapy

• Trigger Point Acupuncture

• Myofascial Release

Dry Needling and Acupuncture

Depending on who is performing the treatment, dry needling can be considered an acupuncture style as well as a physical therapy modality. There is a strong relationship and long history between acupuncture and trigger points that includes an overlap between many acupuncture points and common trigger point locations.

Now that we have a basic understanding of what dry needling is, let's explore the pros and cons of this treatment method.

Pros of Dry Needling

1. Effective Pain Relief

One of the main benefits of dry needling is its ability to provide effective pain relief. By targeting trigger points in the muscles, dry needling can help to release tension and reduce pain. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia or back pain.

In fact, a study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that dry needling can significantly reduce shoulder pain. The study involved 85 patients with shoulder pain, and those who received dry needling reported a greater reduction in pain compared to those who received a placebo treatment.

2. Improved Muscle Function

In addition to pain relief, dry needling can also help to improve muscle function. By stimulating the muscles with the needles, dry needling can help to increase blood flow and oxygenation to the area, which can promote healing and improve muscle performance.

This can be particularly beneficial for athletes or individuals who have suffered a muscle injury. By improving muscle function, dry needling can help individuals return to their normal activities more quickly and potentially prevent future injuries.

3. Non-Invasive Treatment

Unlike other forms of therapy, such as surgery or injections, dry needling is a non-invasive treatment option. The needles used in dry needling are very thin and cause minimal discomfort when inserted into the skin. This makes it a suitable option for individuals who are looking for a less invasive alternative to traditional treatments.

4. Quick Recovery Time

Another advantage of dry needling is its quick recovery time. Unlike surgery or other invasive procedures, dry needling does not require a lengthy recovery period. Most individuals are able to resume their normal activities immediately after a dry needling session, with only minor soreness or bruising at the insertion sites.

Cons of Dry Needling

1. Potential Side Effects

While dry needling is generally considered safe, there are some potential side effects that individuals should be aware of. These can include bruising, soreness, and minor bleeding at the insertion sites. In rare cases, more serious side effects such as infection or nerve damage can occur. It is important to discuss any concerns or potential risks with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing dry needling.

2. Limited Availability

Another drawback of dry needling is its limited availability. While the technique has gained popularity in recent years, it is still not widely practiced by all healthcare providers. This means that individuals may have difficulty finding a qualified practitioner in their area who can perform dry needling.

3. Lack of Scientific Evidence

Despite its growing popularity, there is still a lack of scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of dry needling. While many individuals report positive results from the treatment, more research is needed to fully understand how and why dry needling works. This lack of evidence can make it difficult for individuals to make an informed decision about whether to pursue dry needling as a treatment option.

Systematic reviews evaluating the efficacy of dry needling for musculoskeletal pain often find that the quality of evidence supporting its short-term benefits is low to moderate, especially when compared to placebo treatments, no intervention, or alternative treatment methods for pain management. There is a scarcity of studies that explore the long-term effectiveness of this treatment.

4. Discomfort During Treatment

While dry needling is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience discomfort during the treatment. The insertion of the needles can cause a sensation of pressure or mild pain, which can be uncomfortable for some individuals. However, this discomfort is usually temporary and subsides once the needles are removed.

The discomfort felt during treatment usually consists of a dull, achy, heavy, spasmy, cramp-like sensation when the muscle releases or fasiculates. If the needling practitioner is not skilled at inserting needles there can also be a sharp, burning, stabbing sensation when the needle is inserted - a good practitioner will minimize these more painful sensations by inserting the needles swiftly so they bypass the painful receptors at the surface.

Conclusion

Dry needling is a technique that has both pros and cons. While it can provide effective pain relief and improve muscle function, it also has potential side effects and limited availability. Additionally, the lack of scientific evidence can make it difficult for individuals to make an informed decision about whether to pursue dry needling as a treatment option.

Ultimately, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine if dry needling is the right choice for you. They can provide you with more information about the procedure, discuss any potential risks, and help you weigh the pros and cons based on your specific situation and health needs.

Remember, while dry needling can be an effective treatment option for some individuals, it is not a cure-all solution. It should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may also include other therapies such as physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.

In conclusion, dry needling is a promising technique that offers many benefits, but it is not without its drawbacks. As with any medical treatment, it is important to do your research and consult with a healthcare professional before deciding if it is the right option for you.

Over to you

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Sources:

• Travell, J. G., Simons, D. G. (1993). Myofascial pain and dysfunction: The trigger point manual. London: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

• Biel, A., & Dorn, R. (2010). Trail guide to the body: A hands-on guide to locating muscles, bones and more. Boulder, CO: Books of Dicovery.

• Janda, Vladimír. “Muscle Function Testing.” (1983).

• Ma, Y. T., Li, L. H., Han, Q., Wang, X. L., Jia, P. Y., Huang, Q. M., & Zheng, Y. J. (2020). Effects of Trigger Point Dry Needling on Neuromuscular Performance and Pain of Individuals Affected by Patellofemoral Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of pain research, 13, 1677–1686. https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S240376

• Bethel, J., Killingback, A., Robertson, C., & Adds, P. J. (2022). The effect of stretching exercises on the fibre angle of the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis oblique: an ultrasound study. Journal of physical therapy science, 34(2), 161–166. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.34.161

• Ortega-Cebrian, S., Luchini, N., & Whiteley, R. (2016). Dry needling: Effects on activation and passive mechanical properties of the quadriceps, pain and range during late stage rehabilitation of ACL reconstructed patients. Physical therapy in sport : official journal of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine, 21, 57–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2016.02.001

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