WHAT IS DRY NEEDLING?
Dry needling is not acupuncture, which is a traditional Chinese medicine. It is based on scientific study of the musculoskeletal and neuro-anatomy systems.
This is an effective form of physical therapy for the treatment of a multitude of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions. It is not appropriate for all conditions or pathologies and the use of the technique will be at the discretion of your physical therapist.
A small needle will be placed into the tissue that is tender with the intent to normalize the physiology of the area and regain homeostasis. This will improve the function of the musculoskeletal system resulting in symptom reduction. No drugs are injected. The therapist will seek to elicit a local twitch response, which will feel like a brief muscle spasm then release.
Regardless of age, dry needling can be an effective way to improve flexibility, reduce pain and restore function. If you are feeling "tight" or restricted anywhere, you will likely benefit from dry needling.
You will typically see results in just one session, but the average is three to six treatments for lasting results. However, dry needling alone is never enough and your therapist will be sure to give you personalized exercises and stretches to ensure a full recovery.
This is an effective form of physical therapy for the treatment of a multitude of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions. It is not appropriate for all conditions or pathologies and the use of the technique will be at the discretion of your physical therapist.
A small needle will be placed into the tissue that is tender with the intent to normalize the physiology of the area and regain homeostasis. This will improve the function of the musculoskeletal system resulting in symptom reduction. No drugs are injected. The therapist will seek to elicit a local twitch response, which will feel like a brief muscle spasm then release.
Regardless of age, dry needling can be an effective way to improve flexibility, reduce pain and restore function. If you are feeling "tight" or restricted anywhere, you will likely benefit from dry needling.
You will typically see results in just one session, but the average is three to six treatments for lasting results. However, dry needling alone is never enough and your therapist will be sure to give you personalized exercises and stretches to ensure a full recovery.
WHAT IS THE EXPERIENCE LIKE?
HOW DOES IT WORK?
A very fine filament needle is inserted through the skin and into the deeper tissues that are considered trigger points. It works by causing a micotrauma within to pathological tissue. This will break up shortened tissues, inhibiting a reflex arc from the nervous system to the tissue, normalizing the inflammatory response, and centrally mediating the pain. This mechanical and neuromuscular effect provides an environment that enhances the body’s ability to heal, ultimately reducing pain.
Dry needling is a valuable treatment for musculoskeletal pain. However, like any treatment there are possible complications. While these complications are rare in occurrence, they are real and must be considered prior to giving consent to treatment.
Dry needling is a valuable treatment for musculoskeletal pain. However, like any treatment there are possible complications. While these complications are rare in occurrence, they are real and must be considered prior to giving consent to treatment.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND HOW ARE THEY MINIMIZED?
Though unlikely there are risks associated with this treatment. These include, but are not limited to post needling soreness, allergic reaction, vasodepressive syncope (feeling faint), nerve injury, vascular injury, penetration of a visceral organ, increased spasm, muscle edema, infection, and hematoma. Precautions are taken to avoid all of these
One risk associated with dry needling is accidental puncture of a lung (pneumothorax). If this were to occur, it may likely require a chest x-ray and no further treatment. The symptoms of shortness of breath may last from several days to weeks. A more severe lung puncture can require hospitalization and re-inflation of the lung. This is a very rare complication and in skilled hands should not be a concern.
Bruising is a common occurrence and should not be a concern unless you are taking a blood thinner. If you are taking an anticoagulent (Warfarin, Heparin, Aspirin, etc.) or have an abnormal bleeding tendency alert the therapist to allow adjustment to your treatment; this does not mean you cannot have the treatment done. Mild bruising may occur at the needling sites and is more prevalent in certain parts of the body. Larger bruising may also occur, but is rare. Ice may be applied in this instance to minimize effects.
The risk of infection is minimal. The therapist will abide by OSHA Blood Borne Pathogens Standards. Your skin will first be prepped with alcohol wipes, the therapist will wear latex-free disposable gloves, and only sterile disposable needles will be used and disposed of in a medical Sharp’s container.
Nerve injury is also unlikely. If a needle makes contact with a nerve, it may cause a paresthesia (a prickling sensation or electric-like zing that travels away from the area). The paresthesia is usually brief, but may continue for a couple of days only in the worst scenario. Alert the therapist immediately and no damage should occur if the needle is removed. As the needles are very small and do not have a cutting edge, the likelihood of any significant tissue trauma from dry needling is unlikely.
Soreness for 1-2 days can be a common response from the needling but does not occur with all people. Some individuals may experience an immediate achiness or a delayed soreness the next day. Use of heat, light massage, and movement will help to decrease soreness.
It is uncommon but possible that the treatment may temporarily increase your symptoms. This is not unusual but if it continues past the 1-2 day window, inform your therapist to allow adjustment of your program to enhance your comfort the next time. This does not mean that needling will not be beneficial to your condition.
One risk associated with dry needling is accidental puncture of a lung (pneumothorax). If this were to occur, it may likely require a chest x-ray and no further treatment. The symptoms of shortness of breath may last from several days to weeks. A more severe lung puncture can require hospitalization and re-inflation of the lung. This is a very rare complication and in skilled hands should not be a concern.
Bruising is a common occurrence and should not be a concern unless you are taking a blood thinner. If you are taking an anticoagulent (Warfarin, Heparin, Aspirin, etc.) or have an abnormal bleeding tendency alert the therapist to allow adjustment to your treatment; this does not mean you cannot have the treatment done. Mild bruising may occur at the needling sites and is more prevalent in certain parts of the body. Larger bruising may also occur, but is rare. Ice may be applied in this instance to minimize effects.
The risk of infection is minimal. The therapist will abide by OSHA Blood Borne Pathogens Standards. Your skin will first be prepped with alcohol wipes, the therapist will wear latex-free disposable gloves, and only sterile disposable needles will be used and disposed of in a medical Sharp’s container.
Nerve injury is also unlikely. If a needle makes contact with a nerve, it may cause a paresthesia (a prickling sensation or electric-like zing that travels away from the area). The paresthesia is usually brief, but may continue for a couple of days only in the worst scenario. Alert the therapist immediately and no damage should occur if the needle is removed. As the needles are very small and do not have a cutting edge, the likelihood of any significant tissue trauma from dry needling is unlikely.
Soreness for 1-2 days can be a common response from the needling but does not occur with all people. Some individuals may experience an immediate achiness or a delayed soreness the next day. Use of heat, light massage, and movement will help to decrease soreness.
It is uncommon but possible that the treatment may temporarily increase your symptoms. This is not unusual but if it continues past the 1-2 day window, inform your therapist to allow adjustment of your program to enhance your comfort the next time. This does not mean that needling will not be beneficial to your condition.
|
|