Chronic pain can significantly impact your daily life, and myofascial pain, often characterized by trigger points and muscle tension, can be a particularly frustrating source of discomfort. At Varchas Clinic’s Department of Physiotherapy, we offer a variety of effective treatment options to manage pain and improve function. Dry needling is one such technique that can provide targeted relief for myofascial pain.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a technique used by physiotherapists to target and deactivate trigger points, those hypersensitive areas within muscles that contribute to pain, stiffness, and restricted movement. Unlike acupuncture, dry needling focuses on the musculoskeletal system and does not involve injecting any substances.

How Does Dry Needling Work?

During dry needling, a thin, sterile filiform needle is inserted into a trigger point. This can stimulate various responses within the muscle, including:

• Twitch response: A brief involuntary contraction of the muscle fiber can occur, helping to release tension and improve blood flow.
• Neurophysiological response: The needle insertion may modulate pain signals sent to the brain, leading to pain relief.
• Increased blood flow: Dry needling can promote blood flow to the area, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.

Conditions Treated with Dry Needling:

Dry needling can be a valuable tool for managing various conditions associated with myofascial pain, such as:

• Back and neck pain: Trigger points in the back and neck muscles can contribute to pain, headaches, and stiffness. Dry needling can target these trigger points and provide relief.
• Shoulder pain: Pain and limited movement in the shoulder can be addressed by targeting trigger points in muscles surrounding the shoulder joint.
• Headaches and migraines: Trigger points in the head and neck can contribute to headaches and migraines. Dry needling can offer relief by targeting these areas.
• Sports injuries: Muscle strains, sprains, and overuse injuries can often benefit from dry needling to improve healing and reduce pain.
• Chronic pain: Dry needling can be a valuable tool for managing chronic pain conditions associated with myofascial trigger points.

Benefits of Dry Needling:

Choosing dry needling for pain management offers several advantages:

• Targeted pain relief: Dry needling directly addresses trigger points, providing localized pain relief and improved function.
• Improved mobility: By reducing muscle tension and stiffness, dry needling can enhance your range of motion and flexibility.
• Faster recovery: The technique can promote healing and recovery after injuries by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation.
• Minimal side effects: Dry needling is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects, such as temporary soreness or bruising at the needle insertion site.

Is Dry Needling Right for You?

While dry needling can be beneficial for many, it may not be suitable for everyone. Our experienced physiotherapists will evaluate your individual needs and medical history to determine if dry needling is the right treatment approach for you. Pregnant women and individuals with certain bleeding disorders may not be suitable candidates.

What to Expect During Treatment:

During a dry needling session, our physiotherapist will locate your trigger points and insert a thin needle into each one. You may feel a twitching sensation or a dull ache during insertion, which typically subsides quickly. The number of needles used and the duration of treatment will vary depending on your individual needs. Dry needling is often combined with other physiotherapy techniques like manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and ultrasound therapy for a comprehensive treatment plan.

Experience Relief from Myofascial Pain:

At Varchas Clinic’s Department of Physiotherapy, we are committed to helping you manage pain and improve your quality of life. Dry needling can be a powerful tool for addressing myofascial pain and promoting healing. Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced therapists today to discuss if dry needling can help you achieve lasting pain relief and regain control of your movement.