Dry Needling.

What it is

Dry needling is a technique physical therapists, chiropractors and other trained clinicians use to treat muscle pain. Thin filament needles go into myofascial trigger points, tight knots in a muscle that can cause local or referred pain. The needle often sets off a brief twitch, which can help the muscle let go. The word dry means nothing is injected.

Unlike acupuncture, it follows muscle anatomy rather than meridians. It is used for sports injuries, neck and back pain and tension headaches, and it works best alongside stretching and exercise.

What happens at a visit

1. An assessment of how you move and where the trigger points are.
2. Thin, sterile needles placed into the tight spots.
3. You may feel a brief twitch or cramp in the muscle.
4. Short discomfort as the needle goes in.
5. Needles may stay in briefly or be moved gently in and out.
6. Soreness for 1 to 2 days is common.
7. Stretches and exercises to do at home.

Who it is for

• Athletes with new or lingering sports injuries
• People with myofascial pain or tight muscle knots
• People with tension headaches
• People with limited range of motion
• People who haven't improved enough with hands-on therapy alone

Evidence and safety

Systematic reviews support dry needling for relief of myofascial and trigger point pain, especially in the short term, and it seems to work best combined with exercise and other physical therapy. With a trained, licensed clinician it is safe. Soreness, minor bleeding and bruising are common and brief, and serious complications are rare. Tell your clinician first if you are pregnant, take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder.

How Gabriel helps