Dry Needling Explained: A Comprehensive Guide to Relief

Dec 12

With ever-increasing popularity, IMS (intramuscular stimulation) or dry needling, is an effective treatment method for musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.

What aRe the effects of Dry Needling?

Improved tissue tolerance to pressure and stretch
Improved range of motion
Decreased muscle tone
Decreased generalized pain

Who is Dry Needling for?

People suffering from muscular or joint-related pain
Athletes looking to accelerate recovery
Headaches
Neuropathic pain

How Dry Needling works

The physiological mechanisms underpinning dry needling are still not fully understood. It is believed that the primary beneficial effects of needling come from its effect on the nervous system. Following dry needling, both the surrounding muscle and general nervous system have a lowered sensitivity, meaning that taunt muscle bands often described as “knots” relax and pain is diminished. Beyond the effects on the nervous system, others theorize the benefits from needling come from the local inflammatory response caused by the needle piercing the soft tissues. The creation of a short burst of inflammation can be beneficial in increasing blood flow to the area, stimulating tissue healing, as well as releasing pain-relieving neurochemicals.

How will needling be used in practice?

Dry needling is generally used in conjunction with other therapeutic techniques. Knowing that needling provides only short-term relief, we want to pair its use with more lasting solutions. Typically, we will use dry needling to alleviate pain or tension in the affected area. Think of needling as a “window of opportunity”. While we have less pain, we want to repeatedly practice movements that were previously challenging. In doing this, we can cement into our brain and body this positive movement experience and thereby build long-term tolerance to the movement and healthier, stronger tissues.

Does Dry Needling hurt?

It’s situational, but generally, it’s uncomfortable but not painful. You will feel a poke as the thin needle goes into the skin and after that, you will feel your muscle have a brief twitch or spasm. Like any tool, the intensity of its use is based on the practitioner. More doesn’t mean better, so typically we will try to do just enough to get the desired effect while minimizing discomfort. During your treatment, you can expect your physiotherapist to be asking you how it is feeling and for them to modify the treatment based on your experience.

Is Dry Needling more effective than other types of therapy?

The truth is there is conflicting evidence. Some research shows dry needling to be more effective than other forms of manual therapy for both pain and function while others show no difference. Ultimately, we believe that the best type of treatment is based on the individual. Your physiotherapist will regularly compare the effects of treatment to movements and activities that are meaningful to you. If we find needling improves those meaningful movements, then it may be part of our treatment approach. If you don’t like needles, or we find that needling didn’t make much of a difference in our tests, no worries, there are many other types of treatment approaches, and we will find the one that works best for you.

Is there an added cost to get Dry Needling?

No, you pay for our time, not the tools we use.

Do you reuse the needles?

We use new needles for each patient. After they are used they are safely discarded.

Does my insurance plan cover dry needling?

Yes, it is part of the physiotherapist’s scope of practice, so it is covered under your physiotherapy benefits.

If you’re dealing with persistent pain or muscle discomfort, dry needling could be an effective solution. This technique, targets trigger points with fine needles to help alleviate pain and enhance muscle function. At Pursuit Physiotherapy in Victoria, BC our experienced physiotherapist is skilled in using dry needling to tailor treatments specifically for your needs. Book a consultation with us today and find out how dry needling can help you achieve relief and improved mobility.

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References

Gattie, Eric, Joshua A. Cleland, and Suzanne Snodgrass. “The Effectiveness of Trigger Point Dry Needling for Musculoskeletal Conditions by Physical Therapists: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy 47, no. 3 (2017): 133–49. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2017.7096.
Lew, Jennalyn, Jennifer Kim, and Preeti Nair. “Comparison of Dry Needling and Trigger Point Manual Therapy in Patients with Neck and Upper Back Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy 29, no. 3 (2020): 136–46. https://doi.org/10.1080/10669817.2020.1822618.

Dana Tostenson, MPT

With a passion for people and health, physiotherapy has been a natural fit for Dana.

He enjoys working with clients through a holistic approach; incorporating manual therapy, tailored exercise prescription, and evidence informed education to help his patients overcome their pain, improve performance, and enhance their overall health.

Victoria, BC physiotherapist Dana is excited to help people return to the activities they love, approaching any issue, big or small, with enthusiasm and compassion. As a former varsity athlete and now a recreational competitor, his passion for sports and performance optimization makes him a great fit for injured athletes or weekend warriors hoping to return to and excel in the game.

Dana is a graduate of the University of British Columbia (Masters of Physical Therapy), the University of Alberta (Bachelor of Science in Nutrition), and has completed his Transitional Doctorate in Physical Therapy. He has advanced training in Functional Dry Needling, joint manipulation, chronic pain management, nutrition, as well as vestibular and TMJ disorders.

Outside the clinic you can find Dana on the jiu-jitsu mats, taking in the island’s natural beauty, or tending to his admittedly too many house plants (which have now spilled into the clinic).