Needles make many people nervous. Naturally, the idea of dry needling as a treatment method can be a bit intimidating! Luckily, dry needling isn’t nearly as scary as it sounds. In most cases, the treatment is less painful than expected.
In this blog, we’re going to break down how trigger point dry needling works and whether it may be painful. At the end of the day, everyone’s experience is going to be completely unique. Feel free to reach out to our team today to book a consultation and discuss your personal condition.
For personalised advice, contact our team at Northern Districts Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic today.
What is Trigger Point Dry Needling?
Sometimes, people can confuse dry needling with acupuncture. Now, this isn’t entirely incorrect. The fine, sterile needles themselves are the same as those used in acupuncture – it’s the practice itself that is different. The needles are utilised in different ways, with dry needling specifically designed to target sore muscles.
These thin needles are placed to relieve and stimulate ‘trigger points’ in these tight muscles. A trigger point is the tender part of a muscle, the point where it is most sensitive. A physiotherapist is able to place needles strategically across these tight and sensitive areas to best benefit your health and stimulate the necessary muscles. Irritable and sore muscles can have their tension decreased as needles are placed in the myofascial tissue or closer to the bone.
Related Link: What Does Dry Needling Feel Like?
Will Dry Needling Hurt?
Everyone’s experience is going to be different. Some may report that they felt next to nothing during their dry needling appointment, while others may feel slight levels of discomfort. Either way, you have no reason to expect high levels of pain throughout the session. The needles are so fine that you may not even feel them pierce the skin or be taken back out.
If the area being treated is particularly tender or sensitive, then may feel a cramp or aching sensation. There is a chance that your physiotherapist may move the needles throughout treatment to better release the tissue, which you may feel. But your physio will always discuss everything they plan on doing before and during your treatment – so there’s no need to worry about nasty, unexpected surprises!
Are There Side Effects From Dry Needling?
The purpose of dry needling is to release tension in sore muscles and tendons. Ultimately, this means that you will feel changes and effects after treatment has taken place. This is a sign that the treatment is working!
You should expect to feel a change in your muscle or tendon tissue. Part of this will be a release of tension, while another part may be a level of soreness. You may feel some painful aches in the treated areas for one to two days post-treatment. Your physio will provide advice to manage the symptoms and ease the discomfort. In some cases, though not commonly, there may be other short-term side effects like bruising.
Conditions That May Be Treated With Dry Needling
Physiotherapy treatments can be used for a broad range of injuries and conditions. Dry needling is just one of many treatments a physio may use and can be useful in a variety of cases. If you’re wondering whether dry needling could be helpful for your muscle or tendon pain, then the best thing to do is book an appointment. A physio will be able to consult you personally to discuss your pain and answer all your questions about dry needling.
Here are just some of the conditions that are commonly managed with dry needling:
Book an Appointment at NDPE for Dry Needling Treatment in West Ryde
Dry needling can make people nervous. We completely understand! Needles are one of the most common fears people have, so anxiety about the treatment is only natural. All we can do is reassure you that dry needling is typically not too painful and that an experienced physio will be able to guide you through the entire process. If you think that dry needling may be the right choice to ease your pain or injury, we’re ready to help you find out!
Book an appointment at Northern Districts Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic today to discuss your potential treatment with an experienced staff member.
