What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a tool used to help get rid of pain, and improve mobility. This has been a technique that has made dramatic results for a lot of our patients at Anchor Physical Therapy & Performance, and we want everyone to know about it.
How dry needling is done
Dry needling is a specialized technique that is used by physical therapists to treat musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions and injuries. It can be used to relieve pain, improve range of motion, reduce muscle tension, and facilitate healing. The method involves the use of a monofilament needle (commonly known as the acupuncture needle). However, unlike acupuncture, it is not done with the purpose of modifying the flow of energy along traditional meridian lines. Rather, the practice of dry needling stems from cutting-edge western medical methodologies. Dry needling is backed by a large body of research in its effectiveness in treating conditions ranging from chronic headaches and lower back pain to osteoarthritis and acute muscle and tendon injuries.
Who benefits from dry needling?
People from all walks of life can benefit from dry needling regardless of age, occupation, or athletic capacity. Dry needling is one of many tools in your therapist's toolbox to treat numerous conditions such as:
Low back pain
Arthritis pain
Rotator cuff injuries
Shoulder impingement
Labral tears
Snapping hip
Headaches
Pelvic floor related pain
Incontinence
Tennis elbow
Myofascial pain
Migraines
Plantar fasciitis
Shin splints
TMJ or Temporomandibular Joint Pain
IT band syndrome
Runner’s hip
Tendinitis
Trigger points
Whiplash
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Overuse injuries
Achilles tendinitis
Neck pain
Sciatica pain
How does dry needling work?
Dry needling works through many different pathways within the body to produce the desired effect. These include biomechanical pathways as a result of direct interaction between connective tissue and the needle. It also leverages chemical and vascular pathways by increasing blood flow and altering the release of chemical transmitters by your cells. Leveraging these pathways can result in:
Released trigger points
Increased blood flow and microcirculation
Increased collagen proliferation
Increased Fibroblast activity (think “connective tissue builders”)
Upregulated pain inhibitory pathways from your brain and spinal cord.
What does this mean for you? Through these pathways the individual achieves outcomes such as better muscle activation, improved tissue healing, and greater mobility.
Dry needling in research
A large body of research exists regarding the efficacy of dry needling, including studies that have compared dry needling to other forms of treatment such as corticosteroid injections or traditionally therapy regimens sans dry needling augmentation.
In 2017, Brennan KL et al. found that cortisone injection to the lateral hip for greater trochanter pain did not provide greater relief or reduction in functional limitations than the relief gained through dry needling. These findings have been repeated on various other conditions and body parts. In 2020, Uygur E et al. demonstrated that dry needling was more effective than corticosteroids in the treatment of tennis elbow. These findings, combined with the potentially adverse side-effects of corticosteroids, highlights dry-needling as an effective and relatively risk-free treatment option for athletes and the general population alike.
Dunning J et al. conducted research to compare the results of standard physical therapy treatment methods with and without the addition of dry needling augmentation, following the short and long term effects in patients with knee osteoarthritis. They observed greater reduction in pain, reduction in stiffness, increased function, and decreased associated disability in that test group which received dry needling.
The research that is continuing to come out showing positive outcomes in treating various conditions with dry needling is exciting and still growing. The field continues to gain support through research into the exact mechanisms of treatment that trigger the stimulation of vasodilation, the facilitation of neovasculation, the increase in fibroblastic activity and much more!
Does dry needling hurt?
While everyone’s experience is different, most people experience slight discomfort, often a “deep ache” during the process of dry needling. However, most report the procedure is well worth the reduction in symptoms following treatment.
Can I work out after getting dry-needled?
Absolutely! There is not only no contraindication between dry needling and exercise, they actually complement each other and help you to get more out of each experience. Training after dry needling will help you to take advantage of increased muscle activation and mobility while continuing to help pump new blood and nutrients into your tissues.
Who should not get dry needling?
Dry needling is just one of many techniques that can be used to treat a patient and it is important to realize it is not for everyone. Dry needling is avoided in patients who have:
Bleeding disorders (i.e. hemophilia)
A phobia of needles
Certain types of cancer
First trimester of pregnancy
Recent surgeries on that joint/body part.
Other things that are important to disclose to your physical therapist that we may need to take in consideration of using dry needling or not in your plan of care would include:
Metal allergies
Currently taking blood thinners
Have an active infection
You are diabetic
You suffer from impaired wound healing
How long do the results last for? Do I always have to get dry needled?
This is different for each individual and injury. Typically dry needling benefits will be seen in the first session. Talking with your physical therapist about your specific history as well as your goals will help both of you form a plan that works best for you. The need for dry needling will go down as you start feeling better.
Can I come in for only dry needling?
We love the enthusiasm a lot of our patients have around dry needling, but this is currently a service we are not providing at Anchor Physical Therapy & Performance. Dry needling is a highly effective tool that we use to help patients feel better, but the benefits are only as good as the exercises and lifestyle modifications we discuss in the full therapy sessions. Learning corrective exercises is the most important part of what we provide at our clinic, and it is important that patients don't receive only half of the treatment plan.
Testimonials
“…I started seeing results nearly immediately through a careful combination of rotating exercises and awareness, manual massage and manipulations, taping, and dry needling. I'd see her every week if I could! The improvements have been palpable and measurable, and I am overjoyed to be back on the path to doing what I love…”
Jessica
“I had been living with dull sciatic nerve pain for over a year and chalked it up to "getting older." This was the root of the issue. Lauren performed dry-needling and taught me exercises to correct my weight training form and prevent future injury. I felt 100 times better in no time. Once the issue was resolved, I realized how much that pain had been affecting my movements prior to treatment.”
Andrea
More Questions?
Reach out to our physical therapists who currently practice dry needling:
Lauren LePage, PT: lauren@anchorptnh.com
Christine Biegert, PT: christine@anchorptnh.com
If other forms of therapy have not worked for you in the past, and you are ready to try something different, schedule your first appointment with us today.
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