What is Dry Needling and How Does it Work?

Many have heard the term dry needling but are unsure about what it is.

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a physical therapy technique used to treat pain and movement limitations, particularly those associated with myofascial trigger points. The therapist uses a thin filiform needle to penetrate the skin and stimulate the trigger points as well as muscular and connective tissues. Dry needling works by creating a microlesion (tiny injury) in the muscle, which helps loosen tight areas. This microlesion signals your body to send healing cells to the spot, reducing irritation and helping the muscle heal naturally.

Does it hurt?

Dry needling can sometimes be uncomfortable and other times painless. Experiencing soreness or achiness is common. Bruising may occur at the site and could last several days. The number of treatments vary as prescribed by your therapist, but needling will not be done long term to same site. Patients who receive dry needling combined with a therapy session often have better outcomes.

Is it different from acupuncture?

The Integrative Dry Needling Institute states: “modern dry needling is not traditional Chinese acupuncture because dry needling practice is based on the laws of modern medicine whereas traditional Chinese acupuncture is based on the laws of traditional Chinese medicine.”

What conditions does it treat?

Dry needling can be beneficial for many conditions including migraines, low back pain, neck pain, sprains and strains of both upper and lower extremities. It can also be used for radiating nerve pain and tendinopathies.

What should I expect?

Typically, a first visit involves education on this technique with the goal of a therapeutic effect, but it may not immediately resolve symptoms. A patient can receive superficial needling where the needle is not inserted into muscle tissue but enough to receive a neurological and physiological benefit. Your therapist will determine appropriate dosing for dry needling based on your physical impairments and needs. Sometimes, electrical stimulation may be applied in conjunction with dry needling to enhance healing benefits.

Is it covered by insurance?

Some insurance companies cover dry needling but not all. It is recommended that patients call their insurance company in advance to determine coverage.

Can anyone have this treatment?

Dry needling is not for everyone. Patients with needle phobia, local or systemic infections, localized edema, vascular disease such as varicose veins, are in the first trimester of pregnancy or patients with compromised immune system may be deemed inappropriate for therapeutic benefit from dry needling treatment.

There are many locations throughout MyMichigan Health that provide dry needling with physical therapy including Alma, Freeland, Clare, multiple Midland locations, Mt. Pleasant, and Harrison.

Sabrina Buchalski, M.S.P.T., O.M.P.T., has been with MyMichigan Rehabilitation Services for 22 years and is located at the Campus Ridge Building at 4401 Campus Ridge Drive, Suite 1000 in Midland.  She is a certified orthopedic manual physical therapist with a special interest in orthopedics, spine care, foot and lower extremity and offers dry needling therapy.  To make an appointment, call (989) 837-9100. 

References

Dry Needling: A Clinical Commentary - PMC