Dry Needling is the technique of inserting an acupuncture needle into the muscle to release potential myoperitoneal trigger points. It is an effective method of treating muscle tension and spasm, conditions that are accompanying symptoms of conditions such as arthritis, nerve irritation, sprains and degenerative intervertebral discs. Dry needling leads to relaxation of deeper tissue structures, thus causing significant improvement in movement and pain relief.
It is called ”dry” because the needle insertion does not involve the injection of any pharmaceutical preparation. This fact allows us to use classic acupuncture needles that are thinner and better accepted by the patient.
The precise insertion of the needle into the myoperitoneal trigger point is the basis of the therapeutic intervention. This is achieved after a systematic and precise clinical examination that leads to the identification of the responsible muscle, the precise detection of the location of the painful point and its targeting with the needle. Particularly important parameters for the success of the intervention are the recognition of pain upon needle insertion (pain recognition) and local reflex muscle contraction (local twitch response).
The method has the advantage that the therapist can use more than one needle and deactivate both active and latent trigger points that may be involved in the problem. He can also place needles in muscles that are burdened by the problem without showing symptoms, preventing further deterioration. Also, the non-use of any pharmaceutical substance during Dry Needling makes it possible to treat patients who cannot take medications such as anti-inflammatories or cortisone.
Dry Difference Needling and Traditional Acupuncture
The dry Needling should not be confused with traditional acupuncture, as although it uses the same medium, the application philosophy is completely different.
In traditional acupuncture, needles are inserted into the body to provide stimuli that will mobilize self-healing mechanisms and help balance the body.
The dry needling relies on disabling triggers point , which are located in the muscles and fascia. These are responsible to a significant extent for pain both in the area of the problem and far from it. Deactivation of these points, followed by a personalized exercise program reduces or eliminates pain symptoms and improves the functionality of the muscles and joints.
Therapeutic Indications
The dry Needling has immediate results in treating musculoskeletal conditions and injuries, such as:
- Cervical syndrome
- Back pain
- Lumbago
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Frozen shoulder
- Tendonitis -tendonopathy
- Myalgia
- Cramps
- Stiff joints
- Pear syndrome
- fascia syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
- Headache-migraine
