What is Dry needling?
Dry needling is a therapy technique that involves inserting thin needles into or near specific points in the body known as myofascial trigger points. Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles, dry needling focuses on musculoskeletal issues and does not involve injecting any substances into the body.
- Muscle Stimulation: The needles stimulate the muscles, causing them to contract or twitch. This can help relieve pain and improve range of motion.
- Blood Flow: Dry needling increases blood flow to the affected area, promoting tissue healing and reducing inflammation.
- Neuromodulation: The procedure may also activate nerve fibers, leading to the release of endorphins (the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals).
Benefits of Dry needling:
- Effective: Dry needling is effective for treating muscular or neuromusculoskeletal injuries.
- Immediate Improvement: Patients often experience immediate improvement in muscle mobility after treatment.
- Pain Reduction: It can help reduce pain and decrease the need for pain medication.
- Tissue Repair: Dry needling facilitates tissue repair after injuries.
- Targeted Approach: It can target deeper muscles more specifically than massage or other soft tissue techniques.