Dry Needling

What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?

Many people think of acupuncture when dry needling is mentioned, and while the same type of needles are used for both, dry needling and acupuncture are applied with very different intensions.

Dry needling is a form of treatment which involves inserting acupuncture needles into a trigger point, the aim is to release pain and tension in the muscle associated with active trigger points. 

Acupuncture is based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory, where needles are inserted along “energy channels” to affect “Chi” flow, (energy flow) to treat a wide range of conditions.

Dry Needling, on the other hand, is based on western medicine with scientific research and utilises our knowledge of anatomy & physiology and neurochemistry.  The main focus is to needle muscles which contain trigger points. 

How Does It Work?

Studies have found that painful tight areas in muscles often contain trigger points, which are surrounded by various chemicals which are known to cause inflammation and pain.  Muscles, which contain trigger points are also known to have abnormal electrical activity which sends abnormal, electrical impulses to the spinal cord.  This abnormal chemical and electrical environment affects the muscle’s cellular metabolism causing compression of local blood vessels & nerves and muscle contraction.  This causes an  “energy crisis”, resulting in a cycle of pain, inflammation & contraction. 

When a needle is successfully inserted into a trigger point it causes a local twitch response - LTR, studies have shown that once the LTR has been elicited the electrical and chemical environment within the muscle returns to normal and the muscle “lets go”.  This allows equilibrium to return to the muscle on a cellular level.  There is also a release of specific chemicals which help repair and rebuild damaged tissue in the area. 

Will I feel the effects immediately?

Many people experience fairly immediate changes after treatment as the muscle begins to relax and “lets go”.  The full effects of a dry needle treatment are usually realised in about 8 -10 days as the effected tissue completes a repair and regeneration process. 

Does dry needling hurt?

You will find that not every area needled will elicit the same sensation.  In some areas you might feel a slight pricking sensation when the needle first touches the skin.  As the needle is inserted deeper into the muscle, as a general guide, it is expected that relaxed tissue in a normal functioning state will be painless.  This is because the needle is very fine and the tip is designed to do very little damage.  

When the needle contacts a trigger point there are several common sensations that can be felt, some people feel the muscle “twitch” this is the “local twitch response”.  Others may feel a deep aching or burning sensation or it may feel like the muscle has tightened or “cramped”.  Referred pain is another common response, as every trigger point has a referral pattern.

 Dry Needling can be done on it’s own or as part of a treatment with other modalities. At BJC Health Parramatta, Sue uses dry needling in conjunction with Physiotherapy and on it’s own. In these circumstances dry needling will be included in the charge of your physiotherapy consultation and therefore claimable under your private health insurance if applicable.

If you have any further queries in regards to dry needling please do not hesitate to contact us.