How Dry Needling Works

How Dry Needling Works to Alleviate Pain and Conditions that can be Treated

Dry needling is a highly 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 should always be at the discretion of your physical therapist. Conditions that can be treated with dry needling include, but are not limited to neck, back, and shoulder pain, arm pain (tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, golfer’s elbow), headache including migraines and tension-type headaches, jaw pain, dizziness, buttock pain, leg and foot pain (sciatica, hamstrings strains, calf tightness/spasms).

When this type of treatment is indicated, a very fine filament needle is inserted through the skin and into the deeper tissues that are considered trigger points to pain. Occasionally, the needle can cause a brief muscle twitch response, but most often provokes a mild aching sensation when applied to a symptomatic area. Dry needling works by causing a micro “lesion” within pathological tissue, thus breaking 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 through improved microcirculation i.e. blood flow, which brings oxygen and nutrients to the tissues to promote repair and reduce inflammation, ultimately reducing pain. Furthermore, the insertion of needles can stimulate the release of endorphins, which act as natural pain alleviators.