Pros and Cons of Dry Needling: A Guide to Pain Management

Ever wonder what dry needling is? And is it even worth it? Dry needling is a safe and effective way to treat various musculoskeletal conditions. Not to be confused with acupuncture, dry needling is a physical therapy technique that, when combined with other treatments, can provide long-lasting pain relief, Pros and Cons of Dry Needling.

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a relatively new practice in treating musculoskeletal pain. This minimally invasive therapy technique involves inserting thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body.

It is often used to treat chronic pain such as lower back pain, shoulder pain and neck pain. Dry needling is extremely safe when performed by an expert and it has long-lasting results, especially in combination with other therapeutic strategies.

Read More about Dry Needling what you need to know

What dry needling does:

Relieves tension and trigger points in muscles caused by stress and posture.
Accelerates recovery from sports injuries.
Pinpoints and corrects the source of radiating and nerve-related pain.
Improves mechanics of the spine, addressing acute or chronic neck and back pain.
Activates deep stabilizing muscles to feel more control over movement and performance.

It can be performed on a wide range of people; However, patients who are pregnant, immunocompromised, or have uncontrolled blood clotting issues are not candidates for dry needling.

Manual therapy, cupping, and other therapeutic strategies are ideal treatment options for these clients.

Dry needling is currently more popular in sport physical therapy or athletic physical therapy (which we also perform here at Chain Effect), but it is making its way into traditional pain relief clinics.

Massage therapy after dry needling:

Incorporating massage therapy after a dry needling session can significantly enhance the benefits of this popular treatment. Dry needling, known for its efficacy in pain relief and muscle tension reduction, pairs well with the soothing effects of massage.

This combination is especially effective for those dealing with chronic back pain, sports injury, or persistent muscle spasms. By promoting increased blood flow and further relaxation of the muscles, massage post-dry needling can amplify the therapeutic effects.

However, it’s crucial to seek advice from a healthcare professional before combining these treatments to ensure both safety and the most beneficial outcome.

Pros and Cons of Dry Needling :

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PROS OF DRY NEEDLING?

Reduce the need for pain medication — One of the pros of dry needling is that it can gradually reduce the need to use pain medication. It’s known for its pain-relieving benefits, which can ultimately minimize the need to take medication to reduce pain.
Impove range of motion — This type of treatment has been known to improve range of motion in areas of the body where range of motion was previously limited due to muscle tightness, pain and inflammation.
Reduce inflammation — Another pro of dry needling is that it can help reduce inflammation in certain areas of the body.
Release muscle tension — Dry needling is especially effective at releasing muscle tension. The needles inserted into the muscles cause them to tighten suddenly and then relax.
Help with headaches and migraines — Another pro associated with dry needling is the potential for reducing headaches and migraines, especially those caused by tension. Since dry needling can reduce muscle tension, it can also help lower instances of tension-related headaches as a result.
Encourage tissue healing — It’s possible for dry needling to help heal tissue after an injury by promoting blood flow. The small needles cause microtrauma to an area, which then increases circulation and can promote tissue healing.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CONS OF DRY NEEDLING?

Risk of Bruising and Bleeding: Some individuals may experience bruising or minor bleeding at the needle insertion sites, especially those with sensitive skin or a predisposition to bleeding.
Temporary Soreness: Post-treatment soreness is common, which can last for a few hours to a couple of days, potentially causing discomfort.
Potential for Infection: While rare, there’s a risk of infection, particularly if the needles aren’t sterile or the procedure is not performed under hygienic conditions.
Not Suitable for Everyone: Dry needling may not be suitable for certain individuals, such as those with needle phobias, pregnant women, or people with certain medical conditions.

What Not To Do After Dry Needling?

Don’t stay sedentary after your dry needling treatment. It’s important to keep moving and exercise after your needling appointment to help loosen your muscles.

You should also keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water over the next 24 hours. If you have access to a bath or hot tub, you can soak in the warm water to help prevent any soreness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dry needling is an innovative and effective approach to managing musculoskeletal pain and enhancing overall body function.

At TheraRehab & Wellness, we’re committed to offering top-tier therapies like dry needling to address a variety of conditions, from chronic pain to sports injuries.

Alongside dry needling, we provide a comprehensive range of services including physical therapy, occupational therapy, cupping therapy, advanced infrared therapy, and spinal manipulation.

Each of these treatments is designed with your unique needs in mind, ensuring a personalized and holistic approach to your wellness journey.

Remember, after your dry needling session, it’s important to stay active, stay hydrated, and consider a warm soak to prevent soreness.

At TheraRehab & Wellness, your health and well-being are our top priorities, and our team of experts is dedicated to guiding you towards a pain-free, active lifestyle.

Disclaimer

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content provided is based on general information about dry needling and its potential benefits and risks.

It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual results and experiences with dry needling may vary.