Dry Needling

Dry needling is often utilised with many muscle-related issues, including chronic overuse and Fibromyalgia patients.

Finally, some good news for long time suffering Fibromyalgia patients.

The following information has been provided for people suffering from Fibromyalgia and the correlation with dry-needling.

A paper titled, Effects of Dry Needling on Spinal Mobility and Trigger Points in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS), published in Pain Physician, 2017;20(2):37-52 (Click Here to View) concluded the following:

This study has demonstrated that dry-needling therapy reduces myofascial trigger points algometry on thoracic and lumbar muscles.

Dry-needling and cross-tape approaches reported a similar effect size for spinal mobility measures in patients with FMS.

Sixty-four patients

with FMS were randomly assigned to an experimental group receiving dry needling therapy or to a control group for cross-tape therapy in the MTrPs in the latissimus dorsi, iliocostalis, multifidus, and quadratus lumborum muscles.

Spinal mobility measures and MTrPs algometry were recorded at baseline and after.

5 weeks of treatment

The interesting methodology described in this paper used the Hong in/out Dry Needling or fanning method and still managed to get these positive results.

(08) 9354 7000

highroadchiro@hotmail.com

Suites 2/3, 206 High Rd, Riverton WA 6148

The Hong in/out or fanning method

Is where the needle is repeatedly withdrawn from the MTrP and reinserted to penetrate a new part of the MTrP at a different angle while maintaining the original entry point to the skin (Sola, 1981; Travel and Simons, 1983) to elicit any local twitch responses. Hereafter, the needle is kept still for a few seconds so that it could exert its analgesic effects (Hong, 1994).

High Road Chiropractic Centre provides dry-needling along with chiropractic treatment. Schedule an appointment to see if this may assist your situation.

  • Sola AE. Myofascial trigger point therapy. Aug Resid Staff Physician 1981:38e45.
  • Simons DG, Travell J, Simons LS. Travell & Simons’ myofascial pain and dysfunction. upper half of body Baltimore. Williams& Wilkins; 1999a. Simons DG, Travell J, Simons LS. Myofascial pain and dysfunction: the trigger point manual. 2nd ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins; 1999b
  • Travel JG, Simons DG. Myofascial pain and dysfunction: the trigger point manual, vol. 1. USA: Williams and Wilkins; 1983. p. 713. ISBN O-683-08366-X.
  • Hong CZ. Lidocaine injection versus dry needling to myofascial trigger points: the importance of the local twitch response. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 1994;73(4): 256e63.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used by trained healthcare professionals or chiropractors to treat muscular pain and movement impairments. It involves inserting thin needles into trigger points or tight bands of muscle to stimulate a healing response.

Dry needling and acupuncture both use thin needles inserted into the skin, but they differ in their underlying principles and goals. Dry needling targets specific trigger points or areas of muscular tension to release tight muscles and reduce pain, whereas acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and aims to balance the body’s energy flow (Qi).

Dry needling is commonly used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, headaches, sciatica, muscle strains, tendonitis, and sports injuries. It can also be effective for managing chronic pain and improving range of motion in affected areas.

When performed by a qualified and trained practitioner, dry needling is considered safe. The needles used are sterile and disposable, minimizing the risk of infection. Some individuals may experience mild soreness or bruising at the needle insertion sites, but serious complications are rare.

During a dry needling session, your practitioner will first assess your condition and identify specific trigger points or areas of muscle tension. They will then insert thin needles directly into these areas, which may cause a brief twitch response or muscle contraction. You may experience a dull ache or tingling sensation, followed by muscle relaxation.

Dry needling can benefit individuals experiencing acute or chronic muscular pain, limited range of motion, or movement dysfunction related to musculoskeletal conditions. It is often incorporated into comprehensive treatment plans alongside other therapies, such as chiropractic care, to enhance recovery and improve functional outcomes.