Dry needling, also known as intramuscular manual therapy, is a treatment that helps improve movement and lessen muscle pain. It addresses the issues of skeletal muscles, connective tissues, and fascia. During the procedure, a doctor inserts a needle into specific trigger points in the muscles to relieve pain. If you are looking for reliable dry needling services in Los Angeles, you can contact Art of Chinese Healing to book your appointment. Our holistic healing clinic offers Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture services.
An Overview of Dry Needling
Dry needling is a treatment for muscle pain and movement issues used by trained healthcare workers. It is usually part of a larger treatment plan that includes massage, stretching, exercise, and other therapies. In sessions, the provider uses a thin needle to pierce the skin and target a specific trigger point in the muscle.
Myofascial tissue is a delicate layer of connective tissue that wraps around muscles. A trigger point is a tight and tender muscle area that can be painful when pressed. These points may be near the pain you feel, but they can also lead to pain in different parts of the body, which is called referred pain.
A physiotherapist can use needles to relieve these trigger points. Dry needling can help improve blood circulation, reduce muscle tightness, and lessen referred and local pain. The needles used do not contain medication, which makes them known as “dry.” This approach differs from trigger point injections, where a doctor administers medication. Other terms for a dry needling treatment are intramuscular stimulation and trigger point dry needling.
How It Works
Pushing your muscles too much can cause an energy problem, producing poor blood supply to the muscle fibers. When blood circulation is low, the muscles cannot receive the nutrients and oxygen they need to heal. It can increase acidity around the trigger point, making the nerves more sensitive and causing pain and discomfort.
Using a needle to target trigger points can improve blood flow, easing tension and pain. The needle’s sensation may also stimulate nerve fibers, prompting the brain to release endorphins, which are natural pain relievers.
When acupuncturists identify the trigger points, they insert needles through the skin into that spot. They may move the needles slightly to induce local twitch reactions or responses, which are quick muscle spasms. These reactions can indicate that the muscle is responding positively.
Some individuals notice reduced pain and improved movement right after dry needling treatments, while others could require multiple treatment sessions to feel the benefits.
Pistoning and Non-Trigger Points Dry Needling Technique
In some dry needling practices, acupuncturists use pistoning or sparrow pecking techniques. These techniques focus on quickly inserting and removing the needles. In this case, the needles touch the trigger points for a short time before being taken out.
Some dry needling methods address a wider area of the central nervous system. This technique is known as non-trigger point treatment. Instead of placing needles directly in the painful spot, the practitioner may put them in surrounding areas.
This approach relies on the belief that pain results from a larger nerve or muscle problem, not just the area where it hurts.
What To Expect From the Procedure
Before starting the dry needling procedure, your healthcare provider will review your medical record and conduct a physical examination. This review helps the therapist to decide if a dry needling treatment suits you. They will explain the treatment process and address your concerns if you qualify.
Your healthcare provider can provide a covering or gown if needed. They will then transfer you to a sectioned-off area or private examination room. You can adjust your clothes as needed, and your provider will give you instructions on correctly positioning yourself for the treatment.
During the Procedure
First, your healthcare practitioner will clean the treatment areas and prepare sterile needles. All needles used are single-use and disposable. They will then use one hand to feel the area and find the trigger points while using the other hand to position the needles in plastic guide tubes over the target areas. The guide tubes help them accurately place the needles with one hand.
Your therapist will gently insert the needles into the skin’s top layer (epidermis) and remove the guide tubes. The technique may differ, with standard methods including:
- Superficial—The doctor inserts the needles 5 to 10 millimeters (mm) into the subcutaneous tissues above the skin’s trigger points
- Deep—The needle goes deeper into the muscles, beyond the subcutaneous tissues, to reach the trigger points
The duration for which the needle stays in place can vary based on the technique used, ranging from 2 seconds to 20 minutes. Your provider might also apply the pistoning methods, which involve quickly moving the needles through the tissues.
In your first session, your provider can use one or two needles. After assessing how you respond, they might increase the number of needles based on their condition. For example, they could use 10 or 15 needles along the spinal column to treat back pain.
During this session, you might feel some twitching or muscle soreness, which is normal and indicates that the muscles are reacting to treatment.
What To Expect After Undergoing a Dry Needling Session
Once the dry needling is complete, your provider can remove the needles and check the skin for adverse reactions. They can ask you to stand up slowly. If you feel dizzy, your provider will have you sit or rest before you leave.
After the treatment, stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water. You might feel more muscle soreness afterward, but you should keep the muscles moving. This feeling is normal and can last between 24 and 36 hours. You might notice some bruising in the treated section, lasting up to one week.
Dry Needling for Pain Relief
Studies indicate that dry needling can help release trigger points, which may reduce muscle pain and stiffness. By releasing these points, dry needling can also enhance flexibility and improve movement range. Dry needling may alleviate pain and boost the range of motion.
Doctors can use dry needling for various conditions, including:
- Joint problems
- Tendonitis
- Disk issues
- Jaw and mouth issues, like TMJ disorders
- Migraines and tension headaches
- Repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Whiplash
- Spinal problems
- Night cramps
- Pelvic pain
- Postherpetic neuralgia, a shingles complication
- Phantom limb pain
Common Dry Needling Techniques
There are four main techniques used in dry needling:
- Non-trigger point technique.
- Intramuscular stimulation.
- Superficial dry needling.
- Intramuscular electrical stimulation.
Non-Trigger Point Technique
The non-trigger point technique involves placing needles in areas around the primary trigger point. This approach considers that issues might exist in the surrounding regions, not only where you feel the pain. The pain might stem from a more significant problem with muscles or nerves.
Intramuscular Stimulation
Intramuscular stimulation (IMS) means inserting a needle directly into a tight muscle band or trigger point. The needle length used for intramuscular dry needling varies based on the targeted muscle. This method aims to provoke a twitch response. It directly targets the muscle, which can be hard to manipulate manually due to its location and surrounding tissues. With intramuscular dry needling, practitioners can access the muscles, alter pain perception, and relieve tightness.
Like laser therapy, exercise therapy, ultrasound, and other treatments, only a trained professional knowledgeable about human anatomy should perform intramuscular dry needling, as it carries certain risks.
Intramuscular dry needling is a good choice if your piriformis muscle is tight and causing sciatic nerve pain. This technique allows the practitioner to reach beyond the tissue and glute muscles, helping to ease piriformis tightness and reduce pain.
Superficial Dry Needling
Superficial dry needling, or SDN, is a technique where a doctor inserts a needle a little bit, usually 1 to 4mm above a trigger point. The practitioner angles the needle instead of inserting it straight into the skin. This method activates pain relief responses in the brain and spinal cord.
Many health professionals use superficial dry needling. The needle only goes into the outer skin layer and does not reach muscles or bones. This technique focuses on the sensorimotor system. Changing the sensory signals also alters motor responses and can significantly reduce pain.
Superficial dry needling is low-risk since the needle does not penetrate the body deeply. There is minimal chance of harming nerves or vital organs, and the needles are typically short. However, in certain areas, like the thoracic spine, there is a slight risk of puncturing the lungs if the needle goes too deep. Overall, superficial dry needling effectively relieves pain and helps prevent injuries.
Intramuscular Electrical Stimulation
Intramuscular electrical stimulation, or IMES, involves inserting two or more needles into a tight muscle band and applying light TENS currents to stimulate them. This electrical stimulation triggers a neuroendocrine response that differs from the effects of the needles alone.
IMES engages various pathways and pain control centers in the central nervous system, making it suitable for osteoarthritis and chronic pain patients. A moderate risk is associated with IMES, particularly for individuals with pacemakers or similar devices. Practitioners must evaluate the risks for each patient individually.
This technique requires long needles because superficial needling does not provide enough skin depth for effective electrical stimulation. The needles must reach the muscles and may even need to go down to the bones if necessary.
Choosing the Right Dry Needling Method
Selecting the best dry-needling technique depends on several factors:
- The practitioner’s skill and experience—A practitioner should feel confident in a specific dry needling method to achieve positive results for the patient.
- You should also consider your comfort level with a particular dry-needling approach.
- Practitioners should consider the conditions or symptoms that might make a patient less suitable for dry needling.
- The specific condition you are treating and whether you have a clear issue they can address through dry needling.
Choosing the Right Dry Needling Practitioner
Different practitioners offer dry needling services, but each has a different approach. The effectiveness of your treatment largely depends on your choice of practitioner. When selecting a dry needling expert, ask about their education, credentials, and experience. You may also want to check if your insurance covers them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Needling
Some frequently asked questions on dry needling include:
Is Dry Needling a Safe Procedure?
Many consider dry needling a safe treatment option. When done by a qualified professional, the risk of complications is low. The most common side effect may include:
- Bruising at the insertion sites
- Stiffness
- Fatigue
- Fainting
- Soreness during and after the procedure.
There are also risks of developing infections, so you should ensure your provider is well-trained. Serious side effects are very rare, but here is what you should do if you notice them:
- If you notice bleeding around the treatment site, apply pressure and call your healthcare provider or doctor.
- If you experience shortness of breath, immediately contact your healthcare provider or the authorities.
- Needling in the chest carries a rare risk of causing collapsed lungs, known as pneumothorax. Your medical practitioner can schedule a chest X-ray and further treatment.
Is Dry Needling the Same as Acupuncture?
Acupuncture and dry needling are not the same. Both involve using needles to penetrate the skin but differ significantly in purpose and practice.
Different healthcare professionals with various training backgrounds use dry needling. This technique is a modern practice in Western medicine that focuses on muscle tissue to deactivate trigger points, improve movement, and reduce pain. It is commonly included in a complete physical therapy program that offers multiple treatments.
In contrast, licensed acupuncturists perform acupuncture, and it is based on Eastern medicine principles. Acupuncture focuses on the flow of Chi, or energy, through the body. On the other hand, dry needling relies on Western medicine principles. It addresses pain, posture, and movement issues by targeting specific muscle areas.
Acupuncture is an ancient practice that aims to unblock Chi to promote healing and restore balance. Needles are carefully placed along specific meridian lines to achieve this.
What Is the Definition of a Trigger Point, and How Did I Obtain One?
Trigger points are tight muscle knots that can form due to injuries, overuse, or musculoskeletal issues. These active trigger points can limit muscle function, leading to pain as the muscle tightens and compresses surrounding structures.
Is Dry Needling Painful?
The needle used in dry needling is very thin, and most people hardly feel it when it penetrates the skin. The twitch response can cause a quick, brief pain that lasts less than a second. Some describe it as a small electric shock or cramp. You might also feel discomfort in other areas, which is normal and part of the treatment.
How Will I Feel After Having Dry Needling Treatment?
After dry needling, you might feel some soreness in the treated area. The feeling is normal but only happens to some. Soreness can sometimes appear a few hours later or even the next day. The level of soreness can depend on the area treated and varies from person to person, often feeling like you had a challenging workout. After the treatment, you might also feel tired, nauseous, or dizzy. This reaction is normal and usually goes away within an hour or two.
What Do I Need To Do Following My Dry Needling Appointment?
To help reduce soreness after your appointment, take a hot bath or soak in a hot tub. You can also use a heating pad on the treated muscle.
How Many Dry-Needling Sessions Will I Need?
A single session could be enough for acute pain. However, for chronic pain, you may need several sessions to see improvement. Dry needling often works best over multiple sessions. If you do not feel relief after the first, your practitioner may recommend 2 to 3 more sessions before exploring other options. Start with one weekly session and aim to space them out more as you progress. Your therapist will go over your specific treatment plan during your first visit.
What Should I Wear To A Dry Needling Session?
For dry needling, choose loose clothing. It helps the therapist reach your muscles more efficiently and keeps you comfortable while lying on the treatment table for 15-20 minutes. Shorts work well for leg access, and loose pants suit the lower back and hips.
How Long Do the Effects Of Dry Needling Last?
The duration of relief from dry needling can differ from patient to patient. After the first few treatments, you may experience relief for a few days. With subsequent sessions, the objective is to extend this relief period, resulting in longer-lasting benefits over time. Also, as you become more accustomed to the treatment, any post-treatment soreness will likely lessen, and you may find the results more noticeable right after your session.
Who Can Benefit From Dry Needling?
Dry needling can help anyone in pain, including athletes returning to their sport and recovering from car accidents. Your dry needling practitioner can help you decide in your first session if dry needling will help with your symptoms.
Find a Dry Needling Practitioner Near Me
Dry needling is a safe, low-risk method that effectively treats specific muscle and joint issues. If you are seeking reliable dry-needling services in Los Angeles, CA, Art of Chinese Healing can help. Our skilled team provides quality care. We are a holistic healing clinic practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture. Contact us at 310-405-1610 to talk to one of our professionals.