Dry needling is a treatment technique used by physical therapists. It involves the use of a thin filament needle to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying muscle tissue. This can help to relieve pain and improve function. In this blog post, we will discuss how physical therapists use dry needling to treat various conditions. We will also provide an overview of the benefits of this treatment approach.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to treat a variety of conditions. The needles used in this procedure are thin and solid and do not contain any medication. They are carefully inserted into trigger points in the muscle tissue. Trigger points are areas of tight muscle that can cause pain or impair movement. Dry needling is a relatively new treatment in the physical therapy world, but it has been shown to be extremely effective. This article will discuss 5 benefits of dry needling that are supported by scientific studies. If you are looking for an effective way to treat your pain without medication, then you should consider trying dry needling.
Targeting Pain
One of the main benefits of dry needling is that it can be used to target specific areas of the body. This is different from other treatment methods, such as acupuncture, which involve stimulating pressure points all over the body. By targeting specific trigger points, physical therapists can provide more targeted relief.
Part of a Comprehensive Plan
Dry needling is often used in conjunction with other physical therapy methods. This means that it can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes exercises and other techniques.
Benefit #1 Relieve Pain
The first benefit of dry needling, and usually the reason people look into the treatment option, is that it can help to relieve pain without medication. A study published in Pain Research and Management in 2021 found that dry needling had a positive effect on reducing pain in people with neck pain in the short term. The study found that after just one session of dry needling and with physical therapy interventions, participants had a significant reduction in their pain levels.
Benefit #2 Improve Range of Motion
Another benefit of dry needling is that it can help to improve range of motion. A study published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy found that dry needling was effective at improving range of motion in people with shoulder pain and decreasing muscle tightness or spasticity.
Benefit #3 Reduces Inflammation
A third benefit of dry needling is that it can help to reduce inflammation. A study published in the International Journal of Orthopedic Sciences found that dry needling was effective at reducing inflammation in people with tennis elbow. This study found that in comparison to NSAIDS and a forearm brace, dry needling is effective not only at 3 weeks but also after 6 months as a mode of treatment.
Benefit #4 Improves Muscle Function
A fourth benefit of dry needling is that it can help to improve muscle function. The study in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy found that dry needling improves muscle thickness. The results of this study showed that dry needling contributed to improving muscle strength and thickness in a gymnast with muscle dysfunction following an injury.
Benefit #5 Improve Quality of Life
A fifth benefit of dry needling is that it can help to improve quality of life. A trial conducted and published on the National Library of Medicine showed a positive effect on dry needling for those with lower back pain and improving their pain tolerance and quality of life.
If you are looking for an effective way to treat your pain in the Waco, Texas area, then you should talk to your physical therapist at Elite Sports Waco about dry needling.