Acupuncture has been used in China and Eastern medicine for thousands of years. In the last decade western medicine has shown a growing interest in acupuncture and dry needling (needling into trigger points in the muscles). As a result the quality and quantity of research into the benefits of needling injuries has increased. Although more research needs to be done, it is becoming clearer why needling has stood the test of time in Chinese medicine.

What is the difference between Acupuncture and Dry Needling?

Acupuncture is an Eastern technique whereby the needles are placed in specific, pre-mapped acupuncture points. These points are located along meridian channels that help the “qi” or “energy” flow from inside the body (core organs) to more superficial tissues.

Dry Needling is a Westernised approach where the needles are placed in “trigger points” within the muscle. A Trigger point is a discrete, irritable, overactive point in skeletal muscle or fascia that can be felt as a “knot” or band in the muscle. Palpation of the trigger point reproduces the complaint of pain, so area’s of needling is dependent on therapist’s feel and palpation skills.

What are the Physiological Effects of Needling?

Releases Pain Relieving Endorphins
Increases Blood Flow to Injury Sites
Increases Oxygenation to Injury Sites

Therefore Needling can:

Reduce Pain
Reduce Neural driven muscle tension
Reduce the Intake of Pain Relieving Medication
Reduce Swelling

trigger points stone massage — TriggerPointsStoneMassage

How Does it Work?

Research has shown that acupuncture increases the micro-circulation, blood flow and blood vessel movement throughout the body, which in turn increases oxygenation of the tissues. This helps flush toxins, waste products, and other accumulated particles and chemicals from the tissues improving their overall function.

Research also shows that small electrical currents are generated by the insertion of a needle into the connective tissues stimulating both the neural system and the facia (fascia is the tissue surrounding and connecting all muscles and other tissues in the body). As the neural system and fascia extends throughout the body, these effects could occur both locally at the site of needle insertion and at a distance from the insertion point.

When needling stimulates the nerve fibres in the muscles, impulses are sent to the spinal cord and different areas of the brain. These centres in turn release endorphins and other chemicals which block pain impulses.

Is Dry Needling Safe?

Despite the fact that it involves skin penetration acupuncture and dry needling are relatively safe treatment techniques. Two recent studies reviewed hundreds of patients following acupuncture treatments: Only 10% of patients reported mild adverse effects such as tiredness after treatment, dizziness and tiny bruising at the site of needling.

No major adverse events were reported.

Which Conditions Can it Help?

Any condition involving pain and swelling can be helped by needling. However the following conditions have randomised studies supporting needling as a beneficial treatment technique. We should see more conditions being added to this list further research is carried out.

Chronic (ongoing) Low Back Pain
Neural driven pain
Headaches
Anterior Knee Pain
Tendinopathy
Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis
Pelvic and Back Pain in Pregnancy
Pain arising from muscle trigger points and any condition associated with muscle tightness

Which Therapist should I see if I want to trial Dry Needling as an adjunct to your treatment?

All of the Limitless Physiotherapy team are qualified and trained to practice Dry Needling and use it regularly in conjunction with other physiotherapy techniques, exercise prescription and Pilates.

Should you have any questions about whether Dry Needling is appropriate for you, please call us on (02) 83139217

What is Dry Needling and can it help you?