Dry needling therapy

Dry needling therapy is a treatment method used by physiotherapists that can be effective for various complaints. It involves using a “dry” acupuncture needle, meaning no fluid is injected into the muscle. Through a special technique, the therapist punctures the muscles, leading to quick and lasting relaxation. After treatment, the muscle can function better, waste products are cleared away, resulting in improved blood circulation. The muscle becomes stronger, more flexible, and more relaxed. Ultimately, complaints diminish after a dry needling treatment as the muscle function is restored.

For which complaints is it suitable?

This effective treatment method can be used for various complaints. Examples include:

• Stiff muscles and joints
• RSI complaints
• Neck, shoulder, or arm issues
• Tennis elbow or complaints in the forearm and wrist
• Lower back, hip, buttock, and leg muscle complaints
• Cramps, radiating pain, or plantar fasciitis

Long-term complaints can also be addressed with dry needling therapy.

What do we do during the treatment?

In a dry needling treatment, a dry acupuncture needle is inserted into trigger points. The treatment focuses on disabling these trigger points. When the correct trigger point is punctured with a needle, the points in the muscle(s) quickly and durably relax. First, the muscles are thoroughly examined, and for long-term complaints, the therapist often treats multiple muscles in the arm or leg, as well as the muscles along the spine.

Trigger points often cause radiating pain, so the therapist may treat an area different from where the pain is located.

Results can be noticed after just four treatments with dry needling therapy. The speed of the therapy’s effectiveness varies from person to person. The result manifests in the patient’s ability to move pain-free without stiffness in the muscles. It is important to perform targeted exercises alongside the treatment to enhance its effectiveness.

How does it work?

In dry needling therapy, trigger points are treated by inserting small needles into the trigger point. Dry needling works with needles without injecting any fluid (“dry” needling). When the needle is inserted, the trigger point briefly contracts (Local Twitch Response), but then relaxation follows. This happens because sufficient blood and energy (ATP) can return to the muscle, allowing it to contract and relax properly again.

Read more about a study on dry needling here.