A solution to muscle pain: Learn about Dry Needling

Do you often have back, neck, or shoulder pain? Do you sometimes feel like lumps of flesh are rolling around, or when you touch certain parts of your body, it feels like a knot that hurts? We all have to deal with this kind of pain at some point in our lives. So, a special treatment method that is now used for this kind of muscle-related pain and movement difficulties is called Dry Needling . This name may be new to you. So let's talk about it simply and clearly today.

Simply put, what is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a treatment used by specially trained health professionals, such as physical therapists, to treat muscle pain and movement problems. It is often not a stand-alone treatment. It is often used as part of a larger treatment plan that includes exercise, stretching , and massage.

This treatment involves inserting very thin, sharp needles through your skin to treat painful knots in your muscles (myofascial trigger points).

Now you're probably wondering what these 'myofascial trigger points' are.

• "Myo" means muscle .
• "Fascia" refers to the thin, white connective tissue that surrounds our muscles.
• "Trigger points" are sensitive areas inside your muscles that are tight, knotted, and painful to the touch.

These trigger points are very sensitive. They can be very painful to touch. Sometimes the knot can be in the same place where the pain is. But sometimes the knot can cause pain in a completely different part of the body. We call this 'referred pain'. Imagine a knot in your shoulder that is causing pain down your arm. That's what 'referred pain' is.

There's a special reason why this treatment is called "dry." That's because the needles used for this treatment don't contain any medicine. Nothing is injected into your body. That's why it's called "dry needling."

How does this treatment work?

When we overuse the same muscle over and over again, it loses its blood supply. It is with blood that oxygen and nutrients reach the muscle. When these are lost, the muscle is unable to relax normally again. That is when the trigger points we talked about form.

When a lump like this forms, the acidity of the surrounding tissues increases, making the nerves more sensitive. That's why it hurts even to touch the area.

So, here's what happens during dry needling treatment:

1. Increases blood flow: When a trigger point is pricked with a needle, blood begins to flow normally to that area. As new blood flows in, the accumulated waste is removed, and the tightness of the flesh decreases.

2. Painkiller production: When we are bitten, our nerves are stimulated, sending a signal to the brain. The brain then releases natural chemicals called endorphins . These are our body's own painkillers.

3. Twitch Response: When the trained professional locates the knot and inserts the needle, sometimes the knot will suddenly twitch and pull. This is called a 'local twitch response'. This is a good sign that the treatment is successful.

Some people experience reduced pain and increased mobility after the first treatment session. Others may need several sessions.

Does this treatment hurt?

This is a question that many people ask. To be honest, trigger points are places that are naturally painful to touch. So before the treatment, you may feel a little pain as the therapist explores the area.

When the needle is inserted, it is so thin that some people don't even feel it. Others may feel like they are being pricked by small pins. If the needle hits the trigger point, the area of ​​flesh may twitch with pain.

What conditions can be treated with dry needling?

This treatment method helps reduce pain and increase the body's range of motion. The table below lists some conditions that can benefit from dry needling.

Who should not have this treatment?

This treatment is not suitable for everyone. The following people should definitely talk to their doctor before undergoing dry needling treatment.

• Pregnant mothers.
• People who have difficulty understanding the treatment.
• People who have an extreme fear of thorns (trypanophobia).
• People with a weak immune system.
• Those who have recently undergone surgery.
• People taking blood thinners.

How the treatment works and side effects

Before treatment, your doctor or therapist will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and determine if this treatment is right for you.

During the treatment, the therapist will sterilize the area and carefully insert a needle or needles through the skin into the muscle knot. The needle may be left in place for a few seconds or for up to 15-20 minutes.

After treatment, you may see a small bruise where the sting was. This will go away within a week. The most important thing is to drink plenty of water and stay active.

Possible side effects

Dry needling is a very safe treatment when performed by a properly trained practitioner , but minor side effects can occur.

• Pain during and after treatment (this is the most common).
• Stiffness.
• Bruising.
• Rarely fainting.
• Fatigue.

Are dry needling and acupuncture the same thing?

Yes. These are two completely different treatments. Although both use acupuncture, the principles and goals of the two are different.

This treatment method is gradually becoming popular in Sri Lanka as well. Physical therapists in particular are specially trained for this. You can ask your doctor if this treatment is right for you and how to find a trained person.

Dry Needling, Muscle Pain, Muscle Tendonitis, Back Pain, Neck Pain, Physiotherapy, Trigger Points