Are you needing some dry needling?

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Your go-to guide - and why dry needling might be the link you've been missing.

For some, the mere mention of dry needling is enough to bring a sweat to your brow. It's natural to be curious or even nervous, particularly when you know very little about it save for the word "needle." However, there are proven benefits that warrant its inclusion in your treatment programme. This article offers a whistle-stop tour to help you make an informed decision next time your osteopath raises it.

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a common treatment technique used by physical therapists around the world. It involves the use of small, sterile, single-use needles that are considered "dry" because they don't inject any substance into the body. They are typically inserted into myofascial trigger points - the small, taut bands of muscle fibres within a muscle, more commonly referred to as "knots."

Untreated, trigger points can cause a muscle to lose function or produce pain, either at the source or as referred pain elsewhere. Dry needling releases these points to lessen pain and improve muscular function. The same technique can also be applied to tendons and connective tissue.

How does it work?

1. Relaxes the muscle, reducing pain and improving function
2. Improves blood flow to the area
3. Triggers an inflammatory process that encourages the body's natural healing response
4. Releases natural pain-relieving hormones (opioids) and endorphins, reducing reliance on pain medication
5. Alters sensory feedback to the brain - changing how you perceive pain or sensation from the area

Evidence supports dry needling over a course of treatment, providing a cumulative effect over time. That said, a positive effect is often felt after just one session.

Dry needling vs acupuncture

While the equipment and treatment may appear similar, acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine philosophies focusing on meridian lines, zones and acupuncture points. Dry needling was adopted by western medicine many centuries later to treat musculoskeletal conditions specifically. Different origins, different goals - but both using the same fine needles.

Will it help my pain?

Dry needling has proven benefits for a range of common conditions including knee osteoarthritis and plantar fasciitis. Your osteopath will undertake a thorough assessment to determine whether it's suited to you. You may benefit from dry needling if you experience any of the following:

• Shoulder pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Elbow pain (including golfer's and tennis elbow)
• Reduced hip mobility
• Acute sporting injuries including sprains and strains
• Muscle tension
• High stress levels

What are the side effects?

Every manual therapy technique has associated risks - even a soft tissue massage can produce some soreness. The most common side effects of dry needling include temporary localised pain from the needle, bruising and, on very rare occasions, small droplets of blood at the insertion site. Any adverse effects should clear within 72 hours.

Before proceeding, your osteopath will assess that dry needling is appropriate for you, taking into account your full medical history - including blood disorders, epilepsy, diabetes, allergies and your reaction to needles.

We hope this has been a helpful introduction. If you have questions or wish to discuss incorporating dry needling into your treatment, feel free to speak to your osteopath at your next visit.

This article was written by Sarah Meade, osteopath at Agility Osteopathy in South Melbourne. For personalised advice, book an appointment with our team.