What is dry needling?
By Dr. Mark-Ian VanOtterloo DAOM
Dry needling is a technique used to relieve chronic pain in muscles. It is also known as intramuscular stimulation or trigger point stimulation. The procedure involves inserting thin, solid needles called acupuncture needles into trigger points in the muscle.
What does dry needling treat?
Dry needling is effective for treating chronic pain caused by muscle tension. The process involves stimulating the trigger points in the muscles with the needle, which can release tension and, as a result, relax the muscle.
Is dry needling safe?
Dry needling is a safe technique when performed by a trained medical provider. Licensed acupuncturists have undergone extensive training, including over 800 hours of supervised clinical practice in safely and effectively using acupuncture (solid) needles.
Is dry needling painful?
Patients who receive dry needling should not experience severe pain or long-term damage. The treatment should be uncomfortable and can cause the muscles to twitch, which is a positive sign. However, there are complication risks if the medical provider is not properly trained. Choosing a qualified and experienced provider for dry needling treatment is important.
How are acupuncture and dry needling different?
Both dry needling and acupuncture use solid acupuncture needles. Both stimulate muscle trigger points. As anyone can tell, they are pretty much the same procedure with similar risks. However, acupuncture treatment was described in China by a culture 2,000 years ago. Acupuncture can also stimulate tissue other than just muscle trigger points. Whereas, Dr. Janet Travell described dry needling in the 1940s.
In summary, dry needling is a safe and effective technique for treating chronic muscle pain. Dry needling and acupuncture are practically the same procedure derived from different cultures. As a result, acupuncture has more techniques than just muscle stimulation. When performed by a trained medical provider, dry needling can release muscle tension and relieve pain.