{"id":5809,"date":"2024-05-21T21:35:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-21T21:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/physiotherapyfirst.ca\/?p=5809"},"modified":"2025-04-27T16:13:28","modified_gmt":"2025-04-27T16:13:28","slug":"what-is-dry-needling-therapy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coderbeans.com\/physiotherapy-first-2.0-dev\/blog\/what-is-dry-needling-therapy","title":{"rendered":"What is Dry Needling Therapy?"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

\u201cIs dry needling therapy the same as acupuncture?<\/em>\u201d This has been a constant query at various physiotherapy clinics in Brampton. They may use the same needles but are totally different treatments. Acupuncture is based on traditional Eastern Chinese medicine. Dry needling is all about Western medicine and research. Physical therapists recommend dry needling to treat chronic muscle pain. If you are new to this, the term \u2018needle\u2019 might intimidate you. This blog is here to change your mind.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Dry Needling Therapy Definition<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

It is a therapeutic technique to treat stiffness and pain in muscles. Injuries, age or overuse take a toll on the strength and flexibility of specific muscles. Painful contraction knots develop within muscles, which physical therapists refer to as trigger points.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The technique is not as scary as it sounds. The professional identifies the knots and inserts the needles through your skin to stimulate those areas. Once the needles touch the trigger points, the natural healing process of your body begins and so does the recovery.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Trigger points and painful muscles are the main characteristics of myofascial pain syndrome. Researchers have confirmed after reviewing several studies that dry needling is effective in treating myofascial pain.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

How does it work?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Dry needling tends to trick the brain and changes how it perceives pain.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

That not only sounds interesting but actually happens in the human body.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Let me explain.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

There are two types of trigger points- activated and deactivated. The activated one causes pain. Abnormal electrical activity occurs at these points and also releases chemicals which cause inflammation in muscles.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The insertion of needles into the activated points causes biomechanical and biochemical changes in the area. The electric current and chemicals in the muscles eventually return to their original, healthy state.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Meanwhile, the deactivated trigger points extract plasma and white blood cells into the area, helping the area heal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Also read: https:\/\/coderbeans.com\/physiotherapy-first-2.0-dev\/blog\/how-does-dry-needling-work-in-physiotherapy<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Does Dry Needling Therapy Hurt?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

No, dry needling does not hurt.\u00a0 Most people do not even feel the insertion of a needle into the skin.\u00a0 The process, however, induces a local twitch response. It feels like a subtle electrical shock or muscle cramps.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Don’t worry; it’s a sign that the treatment is working.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The twitching occurs in the spinal cord as a response to the needle insertion. This step is important to deactivate the trigger points which further accelerate your healing process.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

What are the Benefits of Dry Needling Treatment?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Dry needle is an excellent treatment for muscle stiffness and pain. It has shown positive results in the management of a wide slew of musculoskeletal conditions that cause pain and discomfort.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Here are the common conditions dry needling experts deal with daily:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n