Dry Needling
Many physiotherapists have added dry needling or IMS (intramuscular stimulation) to their repertoire of assessment and treatment skills. This is the use of a fine, single-use, sterile needle into specific points in the muscle tissue, commonly referred to as “trigger points”.
As physiotherapists, we are well-trained in human anatomy. We learn in-depth about every muscle, bone, joint, nerve, vessel through textbooks, palpation (hands-on), cadaver studies and through various post-education courses and experience. Not only do we know where the muscle lies, but we also know the depth, direction of fibers, how it is innervated and of course what the action that the muscle achieves.
I say all of this above to emphasize that when you see a physiotherapist for dry-needling, you are in good hands. They know exactly which part of the muscle they are entering, how deep that muscle is, what lies below it, and any other risks or safety concerns that may be associated.
WHY NEEDLE?
There are many benefits to inserting a needle into the trigger point of a muscle.
Pain relief
Pain relief is one of the primary advantages as it can alleviate acute and chronic pain in the legs, arms, back, neck and even the jaw!
Improved muscle function
Needling helps to reduce muscle tension, increase range of motion and overall muscle performance.
Faster recovery
Many people turn to dry needling for quicker recovery from muscle strains and injuries.
Complementary therapy
It integrates seamlessly with other physiotherapy treatments such as manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and electrotherapy, offering a holistic approach to patient care.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
What do client’s feel?
I find that client’s react in many different ways.
Many clients feel nervous or anxious about the thought of a needle entering their muscle. Usually, after the first point is done, they are much more relaxed as they know what to expect.
Many clients have a “love-hate” relationship with needling. They don’t love the idea of a needle, but they love the effects that it has on their muscles and their pain. I always tell people to expect to feel an ache or a jump/twitch in the muscle but that it is quick and safe.
Many people feel an immediate difference in muscle tension.
And then there is the “rare breed” as I call them, who love the entire process - they love the feeling of the muscle twitching, they love to watch their muscle jump, and some even love to film the entire process for their own viewing pleasure (you know who you are hahaha).
I, myself, have a love-hate relationship. I get sweaty and nervous beforehand, sometimes a strange word exits my mouth, or my opposite arm or leg flies up into the air… but… I always feel better and am grateful that I had it done.
The evening after dry-needling and sometimes the following day, it is normal to feel achy, like a post-workout feeling, tired, energized, or even a rush of emotions. All of this is normal! If you have any major concerns - intense pain, trouble breathing, or anything else that appears abnormal, make sure to contact your therapist (or emergency services if severe).
FOLLOW-UP
Dry needling typically is not done more than once a week. This gives the muscles time to recover and respond to the treatment.
Most people will feel an immediate change that same day in their muscle tone and increase in their range of motion. For some people this takes a couple days. One thing is for certain - the dry needling MUST be paired with exercises, stretches, and functional movement patterns.
People often seek treatment due to pain or poor movement patterns which lead to injury and discomfort. Needling will certainly alleviate this pain or discomfort, however if you go back to your usual (poor) patterns of movement and habits, then your muscles will slowly return to their old tightness and pain. Therefore, your physiotherapist will give you the proper exercises to change these habits and form new ones.
If you have any new or old injuries, pain, tightness - speak to your physiotherapist about dry-needling - I highly recommend it.
