That was my exact question going into the continuing education course I attended in early October. Obviously it’s about getting poked with a needle, but what does it do? What are the benefits? Does it hurt? How is it different from Acupuncture? Why is it dry?
The course I attended is based on the teachings and studies of Dr. Yun-tao Ma of the Integrative Dry Needling Institute. The purpose of this article is not to discuss what was learned, but rather to share the benefits of the therapy.
What is “Dry Needling” and how does it work? (This is taken from a patient information handout authored by Integrative Dry Needling) :
“Integrative dry needling is not acupuncture (traditional Chinese medicine), it is based on neuro-anatomy and modern scientific study of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. A very fine filament needle is inserted through the skin and into the deeper tissues that are considered trigger points to your pain. Dry needling works by causing a micro lesion within the pathological tissue thus breaking up shortened tissues, inhibiting a reflex arc from the nervous system to the tissue, normalizing the inflammatory response, and centrally mediating the pain. This mechanical and neuromuscular effect provides an environment that enhances the body’s ability to heal which ultimately reduces pain.”
What are the benefits? As noted above by normalizing the inflammatory response, inhibiting reflex arcs and mediating pain, people receiving the therapy can enjoy improved range of motion, increases in strength, decreased pain levels and many other health benefits.
Does it hurt? The needles used for dry needling are very thin, think human hair thin. Sometimes people feel a slight sting when the needle enters the skin. As the needle is advanced sometimes people will describe different sensations, such as a muscle twitch. On a personal note, with several of the needles I felt what would be described as a deep and mild ache. This is actually desired and let’s the practitioner know they are in the right area. Over the course of the this past weekend I was “needled” close to 80-90 times. I can guarantee that I said “Is the needle still in?”, more than I flinched or said “I felt that.”
Why is it called “Dry Needling?” If you receive an injection, say at a doctors office or a flu shot at the pharmacy, a medicine is being injected. You have fluid being inserted into the body. This is “wet.” In the case of “Dry Needling”, no medicines or solutions are being injected, quite simply a “dry needle”, hence the name.
I can vouch for the decrease in pain levels. I was the class guinea pig for the section of the course that involved lower leg needling. I was needled 8 times from the knee down on my left leg. I personally didn’t experience the immediate relief that many people get, but when I walked into the clinic Monday morning I literally begged a co-worker to needle the same spots on my right leg. The difference was that significant.
The bottom line is that I’m extremely excited to be able to be able to offer this service to my clients. Since attending the course I’ve been able to offer this therapy to several people and I’m excited with the results so far. I’m not going to tell you that it’s for every client or for every condition, but for those it can help, good things are coming.
God Bless,
Chris
For more information and to find a practitioner in your area please go to:
https://integrativedryneedling.com