Dry needle treatments rely on inserting very thin needles into specific acupressure points in the body. It is also known as trigger point therapy or myofascial release technique since it addresses musculoskeletal problems by breaking up knots and tight bands of muscle tissue, among other things.

What Is A Trigger Point?

Unlike the more common term “muscle knots,” trigger points do not refer to actual muscles. They are instead localized hard knots in a muscle that cause pain and inflammation when compressed or otherwise irritated by muscle movement.

How Does Dry Needling Work?

Dry needling works in several ways to help relieve pain and soreness and improve blood circulation. Dry needling can stimulate several kinds of nerves in the area responsible for physical function and pain sensations. Because of this, it works by activating the healing response through these nerves.

Some people do feel the heat when dry needling is done. However, many research studies have been conducted using infrared thermal imaging and found no difference between dry and non-dry needling. People who feel the heat when dry needling is done are experiencing a placebo effect or are overly sensitive to the pain itself, not because of the treatment itself.

Dry Needling: Is It Right For Me?

Dry-needle techniques are worth trying if you have chronic pain and muscle tension. In many cases, using a dry needle can help manage your discomfort and also help keep your muscles strong enough to help prevent future injuries. It is worth exploring with a trusted medical provider instead of taking unnecessary risks with treatments that might not be effective for you.

Is It Safe?

There are some side effects to consider when deciding whether or not to try dry needle therapy. For example, you might feel fatigued, have muscle soreness, and have other symptoms for a day or two after treatment. That is why anyone who tries dry needling should work with a knowledgeable medical professional who can discuss the pros and cons with them.

Why Not Other Treatments?

There is no shortage of effective pain treatments, but dry needle techniques differ in a few ways. Most importantly, they involve little to no downtime, and you can feel a difference immediately. Some people who use dry needle techniques find that they do not have to keep up with the treatment over time because it helps the body learn how to cope with pain and inflammation all on its own. In comparison, massage therapy or other relaxation therapies may not be enough for people suffering from chronic pain.

Dry Needling and Pain

Many people who use dry needle techniques claim that they get immediate relief from their pain when they use them, which is why they often try them instead of traditional treatments. Others say they have been able to more effectively manage chronic conditions that have led to plenty of pain over time without having to keep up with a treatment schedule.