DRY NEEDLING
DRY NEEDLING: What is it and how does it differ from Acupuncture?
A common question is how dry needling differs from acupuncture. They are similar in the fact that they both involve inserting very fine needles into your skin, in fact, they are typically the same needles used by acupuncturists. From a medical and philosophical perspective, Dry Needling and Acupuncture are quite different, however.
Dr. Farnham studied Medical Acupuncture at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada and has continued his education with several Dry Needling courses. Medical Acupuncture and Dry Needling operate within the western medical paradigm and are based on a neuroanatomical model, with the goal of restoring the body’s homeostasis.
Acupuncture, on the other hand, comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine and aims at trying to balance your body’s energy flow, known as qi. Acupuncturists insert the needles into acupuncture points, which are thought to retore or balance the body’s qi.
Medical Acupuncture and Dry Needling, on the other hand, target specific trigger points within muscles, various points along the nervous system or tender points that are causing pain or limiting mobility.
By the way…if you have ever wondered why they are called “dry” needles, it is simply because they are needles but nothing is being injected as when getting a shot. As stated above, the needles that Dr. Farnham uses are the same needles used by many acupuncturists.
BENEFITS OF DRY NEEDLING:
Dry Needling has been shown to:
- Decrease muscle tightness
- Increase Blood Flow
- Reduce Pain
Dry Needling can be a powerful modality for relieving pain and aiding in muscle recovery, restoring mobility and healing connective tissue.
Often, patients report decreased pain and increased range of motion almost immediately after a dry needling session. For others, it may take a series of treatments.
DRY NEEDLING FOR PAIN RELIEF
Overused or strained muscles can develop myofascial trigger points. These are knotted areas within a muscle (typically at the motor endplate which is where the nerve innervates the muscle) that are often irritable and painful, possibly resulting in limited movement or mobility. When a muscle has altered mobility, then the joint which the muscle is attached to will undergo abnormal stresses which can result in harm to the joint.
Muscles that are overused or used without proper coordination will undergo an energy crisis because its fibers (or muscle cells) are not receiving adequate blood supply. Without proper blood supply, the muscle cannot receive adequate oxygen and nutrients and is, therefore unable to return to its normal resting state.
Due to decreased blood supply the surrounding tissue becomes more acidic, and the nerves become sensitized. This results in the pain and soreness that you feel. However, when the needle stimulates a trigger point, it helps to draw normal blood flow back to the area, flushing out the toxins and acidity, increasing oxygenation and reducing tension.
WHAT DOES DRY NEEDLING FEEL LIKE?
The McMaster University Medical Acupuncture program is well known for teaching it’s graduates to insert needles very skillfully and with minimal to no discomfort for the patient. Dr. Farnham will first palpate for the appropriate points with his hands and then insert the needle. Once inserted, there may be a mild sensation of fullness. A local twitch response, which is a quick spasm of the muscle may be elicited. This is a sign that the muscle is reacting to the treatment.
Following a Dry Needling session, the patient may feel some soreness or tenderness for 24-48 hours. After increasing the range of motion, it’s important to keep the muscle moving to retain these benefits.
SIDE EFFECTS OF DRY NEEDLING
Dry Needling is considered very safe, with very little risk of complications. You may feel some stiffness, soreness or bruising at or around the areas your treatment. In extremely rare cases, you could experience bleeding or infection.
IS DRY NEEDLING RIGHT FOR YOU?
Dry Needling is rarely performed as stand alone treatment but is often a powerful adjunct to a larger treatment strategey that could include rehabilitation or manual therapy.
Dr. Farnham can advise you on whether dry needling could be a helpful addition to your treatment plan for muscle recovery, mobility issues, or acute or chronic pain.
DO YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT DRY NEEDLING?
For the very inquisitive mind, here are the most downloaded, open-access research articles that were published by AAMT Faculty & Fellows in internationally recognized, peer-reviewed journals on the effectiveness or neurophysiological mechanisms of dry needling and spinal manipulation.