What is Dry Needling?
At Osteobath we offer specialist medical acupuncture also known as trigger point dry needling. Dry needling is a Western medical therapy and different to traditional Chinese acupuncture. Acupuncture needles are used to relieve muscular pain caused by myofasical trigger points, commonly referred to as muscle “knots”.
What are trigger points?
“Knots” or trigger points are taut bands of contracted muscle fibres (like a mini cramp of a tiny patch of muscle) causing local discomfort and can also refer pain to other areas of the body. Trigger points are often a major component of peristant and long standing conditions such as chronic back pain and tension headaches.
A classic example of a myofascial trigger point is in the upper trapezius muscle which lies between the neck and shoulders. As well as local discomfort it can refer pain into neck and head. Commonly we suffer with upper trapezius trigger points due to these muscles being reactive to emotional stress, have you ever felt your shoulders are up towards your ears?! Upper trapezius trigger points can also develop due to poor posture, perhaps you sit hunched over a desk all day. Sometimes they occur from trauma, such as lifting a heavy weight or they may gradually develop over time.
So how does Dry Needling work?
By inserting an acupuncture needle into a trigger point it causes an increase of blood flow and oxygen to the muscle. This influx of blood flow reduces the spontaneous electrical activity within the myofascial trigger point allowing the muscle to relax, promoting healing. Another reaction of dry needling is by the brain. The release of endgoenous opioids, our body’s own pain-relieving system, decreases overall pain levels. The acupucture needles are very thin, solid stainless steel, no susbtances are being injected via the needles.
Acupuncture has been shown to effectively help a varierty of conditions such as:
Chronic lower back pain
Neck pain
Knee pain caused by osteoathritis
Tension headaches & migraine
At Osteobath we can offer dry needling in combination with osteopathy. During your session if the osteopaths feels it would be beneficial to your condition they will discuss this with you and proceed with your consent. Trigger point dry needling is also available without osteopathy.
What happens during a Dry Needling session?
The osteopath will first discuss with you where they will use acupuncture. Our osteopaths will choose the appropriate length and depth of the needle for your body size and condition. The acupucture needles are solid stainless steel, no susbtances are being injected via the needles. The needles are very thin in diameter so sometimes you can’t feel them going in, other times it feels like a quick pin-prick sensation. The osteopath inserts the needle into the trigger point as palpated with their fingers as tension spots. On occasion the trigger point will react with a twitch response lasting less than a second, this is followed by muscle relaxation where the muscle “lets go”. The area may feel like a dull ache before and once the needle has been taken out. You may also feel pain distant from the needle/ trigger point, this is referred pain and suggest we have stimulated the trigger point which is a good thing.
Is Dry Needling safe?
The safety of dry needling has been the subject of numerous studies, and the consensus among healthcare professionals is that it is a generally safe and effective treatment when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner. There are very little risks associated with the technique. The risk of infection in negligible as all needles are individually packed in sterile cased tubes and the skin is swabbed before the needle is inserted. Following treatment the needles are disposed of.
Scientific Evidence on the Safety of Dry Needling:
General Safety Profile: A systematic review published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy analysed the safety of dry needling across multiple studies. The review found that dry needling is a relatively safe procedure with a low incidence of adverse effects. Most reported side effects were minor, including bruising, bleeding, and temporary soreness at the needle insertion site .
Serious Complications: While rare, more serious complications can occur, such as pneumothorax (collapsed lung) if the needle is inserted too deeply in the chest or upper back area. However, the risk of such complications is extremely low when dry needling is performed by a trained professional. A study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine highlights that with proper training and adherence to safety protocols, the risk of serious complications can be effectively minimised .
Infection Risk: Concerns about infection are also low due to the use of sterile, single-use needles. The American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation published findings that reinforce the importance of maintaining strict aseptic techniques to prevent infections, noting that infections related to dry needling are exceedingly rare when proper procedures are followed .
Pain Relief and Functional Improvement: Beyond its safety, dry needling has been shown to be effective in reducing musculoskeletal pain and improving function. A study in the Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy found that patients who underwent dry needling reported significant reductions in pain and improvements in range of motion, particularly in cases of chronic pain conditions such as myofascial pain syndrome.
How our Practitioners Ensure the Safety of Dry Needling:
The safety of dry needling largely depends on the skill and experience of the practitioner. Our osteopaths who perform dry needling undergo extensive training to ensure they can provide safe and effective care. Here’s how they maintain safety:
Thorough Patient Assessment: Before administering dry needling, practitioners conduct a detailed medical history and physical examination to determine if the patient is a suitable candidate for the procedure.
Sterile Technique: Practitioners use sterile, single-use needles and follow strict hygiene protocols to minimize the risk of infection.
Anatomical Knowledge: A deep understanding of anatomy is crucial. Practitioners are trained to identify safe needling sites and avoid areas where critical structures, such as nerves and blood vessels, are located.
Informed Consent: Patients are informed about the procedure, including potential risks and benefits, allowing them to make an informed decision about their treatment.
Monitoring and Follow-Up: After the procedure, practitioners monitor patients for any adverse reactions and provide guidance on post-treatment care to ensure optimal recovery.
Who should avoid Dry Needling?
While dry needling is generally safe, it may not be suitable for everyone. Contraindications include:
Bleeding Disorders: Individuals with bleeding disorders or those on blood-thinning medications may be at higher risk for bruising or bleeding.
Pregnancy: Dry needling is typically avoided during pregnancy, especially in the abdominal and lumbar regions, due to potential risks to the fetus.
Infection or Skin Conditions: Dry needling should not be performed on areas with active infections, rashes, or other skin conditions.
Fear of Needles: Patients with a strong fear of needles or anxiety about the procedure may want to explore alternative treatments.
For more information on the safety of dry needling, refer to studies published in reputable journals such as the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, the British Journal of Sports Medicine, and the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.
References:
Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy - Safety of Dry Needling
British Journal of Sports Medicine - Risks of Dry Needling
American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation - Infection Risks in Dry Needling
Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy - Effectiveness of Dry Needling