What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a form of muscle work in which tiny acupuncture-sized needles are inserted into trigger points or knots to decrease pain, reduce tension, and improve mobility.
Typically, we use dry needling for muscles that feel tight or tense from picking up the slack of underworking muscles. When used in combination with exercise, we can work on getting the underworking muscles on board and give the overworking muscles a break.
What is a trigger point?
A trigger point, or a knot, is an overly contracted muscle. Muscles have cross bridges that contract and relax through a range of motion. Sometimes areas of muscle contract involuntarily and stay contracted, and these are often referred to as trigger points. Your practitioner can locate trigger points by touching the affected area and getting feedback on tenderness, quality of pain or discomfort, and information on any pain referrals.
Why do trigger points happen?
Knots can happen for a few different reasons. Generally, they are the body’s attempt at promoting stability in an area. When our body senses some instability, the muscles can stiffen up to create stiffness and promote stability. The issue of trigger points arises when our muscles never relax and remain in an overly contracted state.
How does dry needling work?
Dry needling uses a thin monofilament needle aimed at targeting trigger points located within the muscle belly. A “twitch response”, meaning an involuntary contraction, often occurs when the needle lands in a significant trigger point. This twitch response can be a great indicator that the trigger point has been located effectively, but is not necessary for a beneficial treatment. This twitch allows the muscle to essentially reset and now move through a greater range of motion.
How is it different than acupuncture?
Though the needles used are the same, the intention and needle placement is different. Whereas acupuncture needles sit in the skin and focus more on energy balance, dry needling actually goes into the muscle belly and has a purely musculoskeletal focus. Acupuncture treatments typically leave needles placed in for extended periods of time, whereas dry needling treatments typically last just a few minutes.
Does dry needling hurt?
Everyone responds completely different to dry needling. The expected sensation during treatment is a mild and manageable dull and achy sensation. Following treatment, patients are instructed that they can expect to be sore for about 24 hours, give or take. With achieving muscle twitches, we are essentially doing a very specific and intense work out. Just as you might have some soreness following an intense workout, you can expect some mild soreness following needling.
Where can I get dry needling in Norman, OK and surrounding areas?
Our practitioner, Dr. Dacey, is dry needle certified and offers dry needling sessions to those in Norman, OK and surrounding areas. Dry needling is a fan favorite modality in the clinic and has been used to successfully treat neck pain, headaches, low back pain, jaw pain, shin splints, golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, and other overuse tendinopathies. Ready to experience the benefits for yourself?
