Dry Needling

Healthy Healing Hub

Dry needling offers several benefits, including pain relief, improved muscle length, and increased range of motion. It can also help with muscle spasms, reduce inflammation, and improve blood circulation. By releasing trigger points and restoring normal muscle function, dry needling can contribute to overall well-being.

Specific Benefits

Here's a more detailed look at the benefits:

Pain Relief

Dry needling can effectively reduce pain associated with muscle spasms, trigger points, and other musculoskeletal conditions.

Improved Muscle Length

By targeting tight muscle bands, dry needling helps to release tension and restore the muscle's ability to lengthen and shorten normally.

Increased Range of Motion

Reduced muscle tension and improved muscle length contribute to a greater range of motion.

Reduced Inflammation

Dry needling can help to decrease inflammation in the treated area

Improved Blood Circulation

By relaxing the smooth muscles of blood vessels, dry needling can improve blood flow to the treated area, providing more oxygen and nutrients to the tissues.

Faster Healing

Increased blood flow and reduced inflammation can contribute to faster healing of muscle injuries.

Improved Function

By restoring muscle function, dry needling can help improve overall function and reduce limitations caused by muscle pain and tension.

Increased Functional Strength

By relieving tension in muscles and improving muscle function, dry needling can help improve the functional strength of the muscles.

Muscle Relaxant Effects

Dry needling can also help reduce muscle tension and relax muscle spasms.

The frequency of dry needling sessions depends on your individual needs and the severity of your condition, but generally, a few sessions per week can be effective. For acute or subacute pain, 2-3 times per week might be appropriate, while chronic pain may only require 3-4 weekly treatments, according to Australian Sports Physiotherapy. Once the muscle starts to heal and pain decreases, dry needling may be needed only once a month or as needed, says Move Origin.

Factors to consider when determining frequency

Severity of pain

Acute or subacute pain may require more frequent sessions initially.

Response to treatment

Your individual response to dry needling will influence the frequency and duration of treatment.

Treatment goals

Whether you're seeking pain relief, improved mobility, or other benefits will impact the frequency.

Overall health

Your general health and fitness levels can affect how your body responds to dry needling.

General guidelines

Initial sessions

A few sessions (1-2 times per week) may be needed to address acute pain or muscle tightness.

Long-term maintenance

As pain improves and muscle function returns, you may need less frequent sessions, perhaps once per month or as needed.

Consistency

Regular sessions can help maintain long-term relief and injury prevention.

Important considerations

Personalized approach

Your physical therapist or other healthcare professional will determine the best frequency for you based on your individual needs.

Open communication

Communicate with your therapist about your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Active treatment

In addition to dry needling, consider incorporating exercises and other physical therapy techniques to promote long-term recovery and prevent recurrence.