What is Dry Needling and How Does It Work?
Dry needling is a form of acupuncture utilizing extremely tiny needles to pierce the skin.
It is based on the principle that there are points in the body that can help to relieve pain and other problems. These points are called trigger points. Trigger points are often located in areas of muscle that have become tight or knotted.
When these needles are inserted into the skin at these trigger points, they reach the underlying muscles which stimulate the release of chemicals known as endorphins. Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers and have been shown to be more effective than morphine. In addition to endorphins, dry needling also releases other chemicals that help to reduce inflammation, such as:
- Serotonin
- Dopamine
- Norepinephrine
By stimulating your body and triggering the release of chemicals, it can help to relieve pain, increase your range of motion, and improve the function of your tissues.
What does Dry Needling Therapy Treat?
Dry needling can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
Benefits of Dry Needling
Dry needling is a very effective treatment for acute and chronic muscular pain. The benefits of dry needling include a decrease in pain, increased mobility, and increased strength. Positive results are typically apparent within only a few treatment sessions but can vary depending on the cause and severity of the symptoms as well as the overall health of the patient.
In addition to reducing pain, dry needling can also:
- Relax muscles
- Improve range of motion
- Reduce inflammation
- Release trigger points
Side Effects of Dry Needling Therapy
Dry needling is a safe and effective treatment with few side effects. The most common side effect is mild soreness at the needle site. This soreness usually goes away within a day or two. Other rare side effects can include bruising, swelling, and bleeding. But that is usually uncommon.
Dry Needling vs Acupuncture
Dry needling and acupuncture are completely different treatments. One of the only similarities between the two techniques is the equipment used – acupuncture needles. Dry needling specifically treats muscular pain and trigger points while acupuncture is a complete healing system that focuses on balancing a patient’s energy or Qi.
There are some key differences between them:
- Dry needling is based on Western medicine principles while acupuncture is based on Eastern medicine principles.
- Dry needling is used to treat specific problems, such as trigger points, while acupuncture can be used to treat a variety of conditions.
- Dry needling uses ultra-fine needles that are inserted into the skin at specific points. Acupuncture needles are thicker and can be inserted deeper into the skin.
Get Dry Needling Treatment in Sterling
If you’re interested in getting natural and holistic treatment for your conditions, Dry Needling may be for you. We’ll work with you to fully understand your health concern and build a treatment plan to help you reach optimal health. Dry Needling may play a roll in your treatment plan and help you feel the best you can.
Give us a call today to book your appointment to get started with your care!
