Dry needling is a therapeutic technique often used to treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. It involves inserting very thin, solid needles (similar to acupuncture needles) directly into myofascial trigger points, which are tight bands or knots in muscles that can cause pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
The goal of dry needling is to release tension in the muscle and improve blood flow to the area which promotes healing. When a needle is inserted into a trigger point, it causes a "twitch" response, which is a reflex that helps the muscle relax, resulting in pain relief, increased range of motion, and improved muscle function.
Although dry needling and acupuncture both use thin needles, they differ in theory and application. Dry needling is based on Western medicine and focuses on relieving musculoskeletal pain by targeting trigger points within muscles. Acupuncture, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, focuses on balancing the flow of Qi (energy) along meridians and can address a broader range of physical, emotional, and systemic conditions.
During a dry needling session, the practitioner will identify specific areas of tightness or trigger points in the muscle. The needle is then inserted directly into those areas. The sensation may range from mild discomfort to a brief twitch in the muscle, followed by relief as the muscle relaxes.
Here at Saltwater, we incorporate dry needling into our acupuncture sessions as indicated for certain musculoskeletal conditions.
