Reduction of Pain and Restoration of Function with Dry Needling
It sounds scary of being treated with needles in the human body, but the reality lies behind the curtain.
Physiotherapists use this process to give you relief from back pain, neck pain, muscle tightness,strain injuries, and many others. The process provides comfort by releasing over sensitive areas in the muscles with the help of small needles. The process focuses on trigger points, which are the main source of pain, and physiotherapists treat that area to provide us relaxation.
You might be thinking about this weird treatment and have many questions about its process and working. At Evergreen Rehab and Wellness, we have trained Physiotherapists who can help you with Dry Needling.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is the technique used by physiotherapists for the treatment of muscular pain and myofascial dysfunction. It is also known as trigger point dry needling. The trigger point is the stretched band of muscles located at the larger muscle group and causes pain when someone touches that part.
Dry needling is different from trigger point injections where wet hollow hypodermic needles are injected in the muscles with medication. While in dry needling, physiotherapists use a solid filament needle without medication. That's why it's termed as dry needling.
Is Dry needling the Same as Acupuncture?
Some people get confused with acupuncture and dry needling because both techniques use the same solid filament needles. Although they use the same needles, both of them are different techniques.
Acupuncture is the Chinese traditional medicine that encompasses the insertion of thin needles in your body on strategic points of the body. These needles are connected by 20 pathways known as meridians, which conduct energy between the body and internal organs. In contrast, dry needling techniques use needles on trigger points or specific muscles, which are shortened or tight and cause pain, release them, and provide relief to the patient.
Acupuncture is a traditional technique and is performed by acupuncturists, but dry needling is a modern western medical technique and based on research.
In the dry needling technique, needles are inserted into some trigger points for a brief period. While in the acupuncture technique, needles are inserted into points along the meridian lines. In Chinese tradition, these lines represent organs and allow the flow of energy, and the whole process lasts for 15 to 30 minutes. It is mostly used for internal disorders, insomnia, digestive problems, and chronic pain.
Want to book an appointment at Evergreen Rehab and Wellness Clinic? Call us at 604-449-5859 to find the best solution. We will help you to enjoy a painless and healthy lifestyle.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
The dry needling process involves several levels to release stress from the muscles and make the body pain free. The technique starts from inserting the solid filament needles around the trigger points or into tough bands of muscles.
During treatment, when needles hit the target tissues or muscles, the patient feels a twitch of muscles, which can be a little painful, but the pain is over within 2-3 seconds. After the process, your therapist will suggest some specific exercises that will help you to maintain the proper functioning of the muscles.
Conditions Treated by Dry Needling
Physiotherapists provide dry needling treatment with an overall plan, including several exercises, education, manual, and heat therapy. Dry needling physiotherapy allows you to enjoy the free motion of muscles, which were limited due to the tightening muscles. Dry needling treats the following problems:
- Tendinopathy or Tendinitis (inflammation of tendons)
- Muscular strains
- Sports Injuries
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Joint problem
- Whiplash
- Pelvic pain
- Phantom pain
- Night cramps ( means night leg cramps)
- Spinal problems
- Repetitive motion disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome
Who Shouldn't Have Dry Needling Treatment?
If anyone wants to get a dry needling treatment, they should first consult with their doctor. We recommend that the following people shouldn't go for dry needling treatment:
- Afraid of Needle Pain
- In Pain Associated with Pregnancy
- Not Familiar with the Treatment
If you are currently taking blood-thinning medications or recovering from recent surgery, you should consult your doctor.
At Evergreen Rehab and Wellness, we have expert Physiotherapists trained for Dry Needling Treatment. You'll be in good hands Every Physiotherapy treatment plan will be started with a thorough assessment. In this way, we'll help you discover the real cause of pain and be able to apply an ideal treatment for your condition.
Want to book an appointment at Evergreen Rehab and Wellness Clinic? Call us at 604-449-5859 to find the best solution. We will help you to enjoy a painless and healthy lifestyle.
