What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling involves the insertion of needles into tender points within the body without the injection of substance. It is commonly used in both acute and chronic musculoskeletal complaints with the aim of targeting myofascial trigger points. Dry needling and trigger point therapy appeared almost as an incidental finding, arising from injection therapy of anesthesia to treat painful musculoskeletal conditions. Research out of America in 1941 revealed that pain could be relieved by the simple insertion of an injection without any substance. 

Dry needling is now a technique utilised by a multitude of disciplines from doctors to manual therapists all over the world, and most commonly uses acupuncture needles. It is known to be a low risk and minimally invasive form of therapy that can be combined well with other treatment modalities to assist in the alleviation of musculoskeletal pain. 

The benefits associated with dry needling are lengthy, from the simple insertion of an acupuncture needle according to neuroanatomical concepts patients can expect release of contracted muscles, improved blood circulation, increased muscle and tendon strength and improvement in joint range of motion all contributing to decreases in pain sensation.

What to expect? 

The needles that are utilised in dry needle therapy are extremely fine. 

Once your practitioner has identified the trigger points associated with your familiar pain, the area will be cleaned using an alcohol wipe. The needle is encased in what is called a guide tube, which the practitioner will use to tap and guide the needle into the trigger point. 

The insertion of the needle may feel like a sharp scratch, it may cause a twitching sensation or spasm of the muscle or you may feel nothing at all. Your practitioner may manipulate the needle after insertion to induce muscular spasm or twitches.  

As with any manual therapy treatment it is normal to experience transient side effects associated for up to 72 hours. Most commonly you may experience pain, bruising, muscular fatigue and tightness. 

What is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture? 

It is believed that without acupuncture dry needling as therapy would not exist. The needles utilised with both techniques are the same, but where they differ is the insertion points. As mentioned dry needling focuses on trigger point therapy for release of the muscles. 

Acupuncture has a 5000 year history in Chinese medicine that believes health is associated with the flow of chi in the body. It is believed that chi travels through the body along pathways called meridians. These meridians are linked to organs and internal structures of the body and utilised as insertion points to restore chi.

The other major difference between the two techniques is the length of time needles are left in the body, for dry needling needles can be inserted and immediately retracted or left in for a few minutes, whereas needles during acupuncture are often left in the body anywhere from 15-20mins.

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Written By:

Dr. Samantha Volarich Osteopath | Director of Revive Osteopathy