Specialty Treatments: Dry Needling

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a specialty treatment in which a needle is inserted into the skin and muscle directly at a myofascial trigger point.  A myofascial trigger point consists of contraction “knots”, which causes pain.

Is dry needling similar to acupuncture?

There are many similarities and differences between dry needling and acupuncture.  Licensed physical therapists can use dry needling under the scope of their practice.  Dry needling also falls within the scope of acupuncture practice.  We are not licensed acupuncturists and do not practice acupuncture.  We are, however, specially trained to perform dry needling.  In contrast to most schools of acupuncture, dry needling is strictly based on Western medicine principles and research.

How does dry needling work?

The exact mechanisms of dry needling are not known.  There are mechanical and biochemical effects.  Based on the pioneering studies at the National Institutes of Health, we know that inserting a needle into trigger points can assist in reducing pain.  It is essential to elicit so-called local twitch responses, which are spinal cord reflexes.  Getting local twitch responses with dry needling is the first step in breaking the pain cycle.

What type of problems can be treated with dry needling?

Dry needling can be used for a variety of problems.  Muscles are thought to be a primary contributing factor to the symptoms.  Such conditions include, but are not limited to neck, back and shoulder pain, arm pain (tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, golfer’s elbow), headache to include migraines and tension-type headaches, jaw pain, buttock pain and leg pain (sciatica, hamstrings strains, calf tightness/spasms).  The treatment of muscles has the greatest effect on reducing pain in the nervous system.

Is the procedure painful?

Most patients do not feel the insertion of the needle.  The local twitch response produces a very brief (less than a second) painful response.  Some patients describe this as a little electrical shock; others feel it more like a cramping sensation.

Are the needles sterile?

Yes, we only use sterile disposable needles.