How does it work?
Integrative dry needling is not acupuncture (traditional Chinese medicine), it is based on neuro-anatomy and modern scientific study of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. A very fine filament needle is inserted through the skin and into the deeper tissues that are considered trigger points to your pain. Dry needling works by causing a micro-lesion within the pathological tissue, which breaks up shortened tissues, inhibits a reflex arc from the nervous system to the tissue, and normalizes the inflammatory response. This mechanical and neuromuscular effect provides an environment that enhances the body’s ability to heal, which ultimately reduces pain.
What conditions can be treated?
Conditions include, but are not limited to, neck, back, shoulder pain, arm pain (tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, golfer’s elbow), headaches (migraine and tension type), jaw pain, buttock pain, and leg pain (sciatica, hamstring strains, calf tightness/spasm).
Are the needles sterile?
Yes, we only use sterile disposable needles.
Is the procedure painful?
The fine filament needle is very thin, solid, and flexible, which allows for the needle to be pushed through the skin versus cutting the skin. This helps reduce any discomfort that may occur with the procedure. The goal is to make the treatment virtually painless, however at times a local twitch response of the muscle may be felt. When the needle is inserted into the pathological tissue the local twitch response sensation is normal and is felt only momentarily. Many patients describe this twitch response as a little electric shock, cramp, or achy sensation.
How will I feel after the Dry Needling treatment?
This will vary, but many patients experience immediate relief of their symptoms and an increase in range of motion. Soreness can also be a common response from the needling, but does not occur with all people. Some individuals may experience an immediate achiness or delayed soreness the next day. The soreness, if present, will usually last 1-2 days. Ice and stretching are helpful to mitigate the soreness.
Research
This study demonstrates that dry needling is effective at reducing pain in patients with upper quarter myofascial pain syndrome.
This study compares groups where they receive dry needling with active stretching, active stretching alone, and a control group. They found the needling group had significantly decreased pain compared to the control group, and increased pressure pain threshold when compared to the stretching group.
The influence of dry needling of the trapezius muscle on muscle blood flow and oxygenation
This study measured blood flow and oxygen saturation at the trapezius, after using one single dry needling procedure. It found that after the removal of the needle that blood flow and oxygen saturation increased significantly.
