Dry Needling for Chronic Pain: Embracing the Discomfort for Relief
Chronic pain can be a relentless companion, affecting millions of people worldwide. While there are various methods to manage chronic pain, one relatively recent approach gaining attention is dry needling. This technique involves the insertion of fine needles into trigger points within muscle tissue. It might sound daunting, as the idea of intentionally inducing pain to alleviate it seems counterintuitive. However, in this blog post, we'll explore how dry needling can help with chronic pain, even if it may initially cause discomfort.
Understanding Dry Needling
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique performed by trained healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists. It involves the insertion of thin, solid needles directly into specific points, known as trigger points, within the muscles or soft tissues. Unlike acupuncture, dry needling doesn't focus on traditional Chinese medicine principles; rather, it targets specific muscle knots, tension areas, fascia, scar tissue or areas of tissue dysfunction.
How Does It Work?
The goal of dry needling is to release myofascial trigger points, which are tight bands of muscle fibers that can cause pain and restricted movement. When a needle is inserted into these trigger points, it can elicit a "twitch response." This involuntary muscle contraction can help release muscle tension and improve blood flow, ultimately reducing pain.
Embracing the Discomfort
Temporary Pain for Long-Term Gain
While the thought of introducing needles into the body may be anxiety-inducing, it's important to note that the discomfort experienced during dry needling is temporary and localized. In fact, for many individuals, it is a tolerable discomfort when compared to the ongoing agony of chronic pain. The momentary pain is due to a very quick change in the area and the brain/body needs time to process this change to make sure it is a good thing. The pain experienced during the procedure can be a trade-off for the potential long-term pain relief and improved function that dry needling can provide.
Pain Relief Mechanisms
Dry needling can help with chronic pain in several ways:
1. Release of Trigger Points: By targeting and changing the chemical reaction happening at a trigger point, dry needling can reduce muscle tension, decrease inflammation, promote relaxation and reduce pain.
2. Increased Blood Flow: The procedure enhances blood circulation in the affected area, providing essential nutrients and oxygen to promote tissue healing.
3. Nervous System Reset: Dry needling can also help reset the nervous system's perception of pain, potentially reducing chronic pain sensitization.
Different Dry Needling Techniques
1. Getting the twitch response: When the needle gets close to the trigger point there is a twitch in the muscle. When we find this twitch we get the most change in the chemicals at the trigger point. It can also be uncomfortable but it gets the biggest change and the more twitches you get the bigger the change.
2. Surface Needling: Changes can be made when the needle is tapped into the surface over the trigger point. There is also a numbing effect when this is done. It not as effective at changing the trigger point but it is less painful and can help with desensitizing an area.
3. Electrical Stimulation: Here an electrode is attached to the needle after it is inserted. This basically like TENS or other electrical stimulation done with surface pads. It changes the signal that is being sent to the brain from the area. The benefit of doing it with needles is it can get deeper and reach structures that surface pads can not.
4. Other: there are other techniques that target different tissues including scar tissue, fascia and the connection between the bone and tendon. These tend to be tolerated fairly well.
Not all providers are trained in all techniques and it is important to pick the right technique for the right person and depending on what is trying to be achieved in the session.
Evidence-Based Practice
Numerous studies and clinical trials have supported the effectiveness of dry needling in managing chronic pain conditions, such as lower back pain, myofascial pain syndrome, and tension headaches. The temporary discomfort experienced during the procedure is often outweighed by the lasting benefits for many patients.
Conclusion
Dry needling, while initially uncomfortable, has demonstrated its potential in providing significant relief from chronic pain. The temporary discomfort is a small price to pay for the potential long-term gain in pain relief, improved function, and a better quality of life. If you're considering dry needling as part of your pain management plan, consult a licensed healthcare professional who can assess your condition and help determine if this approach is suitable for you.
References (APA format):
1. Dommerholt, J. (2011). Dry needling—Peripheral and central considerations. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 19(4), 223-227.
2. Cotchett, M. P., Munteanu, S. E., Landorf, K. B. (2010). Effectiveness of trigger point dry needling for plantar heel pain: a randomized controlled trial. Physical Therapy, 90(3), 32-421.
3. Gattie, E., Cleland, J. A., & Snodgrass, S. (2017). The effectiveness of trigger point dry needling for musculoskeletal conditions by physical therapists: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 47(3), 133-149.
