Everything you need to know about Dry Needling.

Dry needling treats muscle tissue, and its goal is to reduce pain, inactivate trigger points and restore function. It’s rarely used a standalone procedure. Rather, it often is part of a broader physiotherapy plan incorporating other traditional physiotherapy interventions into treatment. If you’re thinking about booking in a consultation for dry needling keep reading to find out more.

Is dry needling the same thing as acupuncture?

If you only compared dry needling and acupuncture with a photo, you might be stumped to identify each. Both acupuncture and dry needling use thin, stainless steel needles. For both practices, needles are inserted into the skin. However, that’s where the similarities end. Unique qualities help differentiate the two. Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years as an alternative treatment and is based off ancient Chinese medicine. Dry Needling, however, has been developed over the past few decades and is designed to treat persistent trigger points or muscles that are irritable.

What are the benefits of dry needling?

Dry needling may provide relief for some muscular pain and stiffness. In addition, easing the trigger points may improve flexibility and increase the range of motion. That’s why this method is often used to treat sports injuries, muscle pain, and even fibromyalgia pain.

Does Dry Needling hurt?

The actual inserting of the needle does not hurt—these needles are very thin. Sometimes the muscle will twitch when you put it in, and it can feel sore if that happens. You usually will feel a little muscle ache or soreness for a day or two after treatment that feels like you have completed a workout on that muscle.