.jpg){kind=logo}
Dry Needling
Dry needling intramuscular stimulation (IMS) is an innovative technique used for treating muscle pain and releasing trigger points. In this process, a thin needle is directly inserted into the muscle, without .injection of any material or medication
A trigger point is an area in the muscle where pain is produced during movement or direct contact with that point. Trigger points can be felt through touch. Sometimes, due to ongoing stress or prolonged injury, some muscle fibers contract and remain in that state for an extended period, without adequate blood and oxygen supply. When muscle fibers are deprived of sufficient oxygen, they are unable to return to their normal state. At this stage, pain may occur. Pain can be localized, or projected to other areas of the body.
In dry needling, a needle is inserted into the affected muscle. The goal is to stimulate the trigger point. During the needling, the muscle responds with a slight twitch (local twitch response). At the moment of the twitch, there is a resumption of blood flow to the contracted fibers with immediate improvement in oxygenation.
Research shows that dry needling is very effective in reducing pain, improving the range of motion of the muscle and encouraging muscle fiber recruitment. Additionally, after needling, there is a release of opioids in the body that contributes to pain reduction.
Needling is performed with very thin, sharp needles, and in most cases, causes only minimal pain. However, there are areas in the body where needling may be more painful, such as in the palm of the hand. In any event, the pain lasts only a few seconds at most. Some people are more sensitive than others to needling, and there are people who do not feel the needles at all. After the needling, mild discomfort or soreness may be experienced at the needling points lasting for a few hours or even up to two days. In some instances the insertion of the needle causes the muscle to contract.
Many patients report pain relief already after the first treatment. This is a very safe treatment method compared to other methods. There are cases where patients report localized sensitivity or the onset of mild bleeding. In the vast majority of cases, however, these side effects dissipate within a day or two at most.
For up to 72 hours after the commencement of treatment, the body responds to the treatment it has undergone, and it is advisable to report any unusual feelings you may experience to your therapist. In most cases, however, the response will be perfectly normal. Bear in mind that the ultimate goal is to heal and improve one’s condition.
One should refrain from physical exertion for two days after dry needling. Rest is recommended in order to enable the muscles to maximize the treatment and to prevent overload and injury.
Since dry needling is a technique that works on muscle tissue, it is therefore especially effective in dealing with chronic pain originating in the muscles, e.g. various types of neck muscle pain, muscle pain sustained in traffic accidents, back and shoulder pain, and pain in the twin muscles mainly among people who exercise frequently, etc. In addition, dry needling is also successful in the treatment of tendon inflammation, such as Achilles tendonitis and quadriceps tendonitis, etc.
Furthermore, dry needling is effective in reducing chronic pain resulting from nerve problems featuring secondary symptoms such as excessive muscle contraction. It is possible to achieve complete pain relief with a combination of dry needling, muscle stretching, active exercise and proper load management.
In dry needling, a needle is inserted into the affected muscle. The goal is to stimulate the trigger point. During the needling, the muscle responds with a slight twitch (local twitch response). At the moment of the twitch, there is a resumption of blood flow to the contracted fibers with immediate improvement in oxygenation.
Research shows that dry needling is very effective in reducing pain, improving the range of motion of the muscle and encouraging muscle fiber recruitment. Additionally, after needling, there is a release of opioids in the body that contributes to pain reduction.
Needling is performed with very thin, sharp needles, and in most cases, causes only minimal pain. However, there are areas in the body where needling may be more painful, such as in the palm of the hand. In any event, the pain lasts only a few seconds at most. Some people are more sensitive than others to needling, and there are people who do not feel the needles at all. After the needling, mild discomfort or soreness may be experienced at the needling points lasting for a few hours or even up to two days. In some instances the insertion of the needle causes the muscle to contract.
