At My Sports Chiropractor we love to use dry needling as an addition to our treatment. When combined, chiropractic and dry needling help reduce pain, restore movement, and get you back to doing what you love faster.

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a safe and effective technique used to target myofascial trigger points (a fancy term for tight muscle “knots”). These knots can restrict movement, alter biomechanics, and contribute to pain both locally and in other areas of the body.

A very thin, sterile needle is inserted directly into the tight muscle. Unlike injections, there is no medication in the needle, hence the term “dry.” The goal is to release tension, improve range of motion, and help the muscle function normally again.

How does it work?

Depending on your presentation and treatment goals, needles may be left in place briefly or we might gently stimulate them. This stimulation can trigger a quick, involuntary muscle contraction known as a local twitch response, a good sign that the tight muscle is letting go.

Dry needling also:

• Increases local blood flow
• Stimulates the nervous system
• Promotes the body’s natural healing response
• Reduces pain and muscle tightness
  

Many people feel looser straight away, with continued improvement over the following days. However in some cases there definitely can be some post treatment soreness very much similar to a massage.

What conditions does it work for?

Dry needling can be used for almost most musculoskeletal conditions. Common injuries it is used for include tendinitis, tennis elbow, ITB syndrome, low back pain and general muscle strains.

Dry needling works best when combined with chiropractic adjustments, rehab exercises, and other modalities. While needling helps release tight muscles, chiropractic treatment restores joint movement and improves overall biomechanics allowing longer-lasting results.

If you’re unsure whether dry needling is right for you, give us a call and we will assess and tailor treatment specifically to your body and goals.

1. Dommerholt J, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C. Trigger point dry needling: an evidence and clinical-based approach. Phys Ther Rev. 2013;18(2):91–102.
2. Kietrys DM, Palombaro KM, Azzaretto E, Hubler R, Schaller B, Schlussel JM, et al. Effectiveness of dry needling for upper-quarter myofascial pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2013;43(9):620–634.
3. Boyles RE, Fowler R, Ramsey D, Burrows E. Effectiveness of trigger point dry needling for multiple body regions: a systematic review. J Man Manip Ther. 2015;23(5):276–293.