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Writer's pictureLucian@going2paris.net

Hurts So Good


Charlottesville

July 7, 2022


You may have heard of a treatment called dry needling and wondered what exactly it is or if it’s something that may be right for you.


While the name of the procedure may sound intimidating, dry needling is safe, minimally discomforting and often an effective technique for patients with certain musculoskeletal presentations. Dry needling is a treatment performed by skilled, trained physical therapists, certified in the procedure. A thin monofilament needle penetrates the skin and treats underlying muscular trigger points for the management of neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments.


So, what is a trigger point? A trigger point is a local contracture or tight band in a muscle fiber that can disrupt function, restrict range of motion, refer pain or cause local tenderness. When dry needling is applied to a dysfunctional muscle or trigger point, it can decrease banding or tightness, increase blood flow, and reduce local and referred pain.


It’s important to note dry needling is not the same as acupuncture. It uses similar tools, but that’s where the similarities end. Dry needling is performed by different practitioners with different training. Acupuncture is based on Eastern medicine, while dry needling is rooted in Western medicine and evaluation of pain patterns, posture, movement impairments, function and orthopedic tests.


Dry needling treats muscle tissue, and its goal is to reduce pain, inactivate trigger points and restore function. It rarely is a standalone procedure. Rather, it often is part of a broader physical therapy approach incorporating other traditional physical therapy interventions into treatment.


Dry needling can be used for a wide variety of musculoskeletal issues, such as shoulder, neck, heel, hip and back pain. While research indicates dry needling is a safe and effective approach for treating and managing pain, some insurance companies may not reimburse for the procedure.

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4 comentarios


dsmithuva75
07 jul 2022

What is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?

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Lucian@going2paris.net
Lucian@going2paris.net
08 jul 2022
Contestando a

To oversimplify, I believe the difference is acupuncture works on the nervous system while dry needling needling works on the physical muscle.

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tommasopacelli
07 jul 2022

Damn. Can they use that on your entire body? i have tried accupuncture, electric stimulation, ozone - none of which solved my right hip/psoas issue.

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Lucian@going2paris.net
Lucian@going2paris.net
07 jul 2022
Contestando a

LOL. Sounds like we have similar ailments. So long as it’s an area where muscles are “stuck” or “kinked,” dry needling might help them get unstuck/unlinked. It’s especially helpful in the hip/rear area where the muscles are deep. A hard, deep tissue massage can get in there too and offer some relief. You already know this I bet but I’ll say it anyway: Stretching your quads and hammys is critical. Doing “hip bridges” can help turn on your glutes which for most of us have gone dormant — other muscles pick up the slack and get over stressed. Any hip flexor stretch can help the psoas and hip. I get some relief then I lie on my back and throw my right leg across my b…

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