Dry Needling
What is dry needling?
Dry needling uses sterile single-use needles inserted into the skin, fascia, scar tissue and/or muscle, to alter or “calm down” overactive trigger points. Trigger point pain can result from trauma, anxiety, arthritis, repetitive work, immobilisation or neurological conditions. The dry needling technique helps to restore normal muscle function and reduce pain2, improve circulation and improve general health.
How does it work?
The insertion of the needle aims to reduce the sensitivity of the nervous system to pain3. Improvements in muscle tension and range of motion4 can occur which can lead to neuromodulation and overall calming of the nervous system. Functional MRI research has shown dry needling can cause positive changes in the brain which positively affect the processing of pain.
Needles can be left stationary or moved to achieve the best results.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects may include:
- Minor bruising
- Drowsiness
- Dull ache at insertion site
- Fainting
Note: Dry needling should not be performed in the first trimester of pregnancy
What conditions can we treat?
Dry needling can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions including but not limited to:
- Pelvic/abdominal pain
- Overactive bladder
- Dysmenorrhea (period pain)
- Faecal incontinence and constipation
- Urinary incontinence
- Nocturia
- Enuresis
- Menopause symptoms
- Vulvodynia
- Back/hip pain
- Coccyx pain
- Speed CA. Injection therapies for soft-tissue disorders. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2003;17(1):167–81.
- Lewit K. The needle effect in the relief of myofascial pain. 1979;6(1):83–90.
- Dommerhold J, Fernandez-de-las-Penas C, Chaitow L, Gerwin RD. Trigger Point Dry Needling. An evidenced and clinical-based approach.
- The effectiveness of trigger point dry needling for musculoskeletal conditions by physical therapist: a systematic review and Meta-anaylsis. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy: Feb 28, 2017. Volume 47, issue 3, p 133-149.
