Over the past 6 months I’ve begun implementing Dry Needling/Acupuncture into my practice. I’ve been getting great feedback from patients because it’s an amazing tool for relieving chronic tendinitis, osteoarthritis or even carpal tunnel. The big questions my patients ask about it are “how does needling relieve my pain?” and “what type of equipment does it use?”

In a 2013 article, Dr. James Dunning outlines the different medical conditions Dry Needling/Acupuncture may be used to treat. Dry Needling/Acupuncture is the insertion of thin needles into muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia that facilitate the healing of various musculo-skeletal systems. When the needle is inserted in these areas, a local increase in blood circulation is observed, thereby decreasing pain and assisting with healing.

Many of the ‘muscle knots’ often caused by poor posture, stiff joints or lack of strength can be also be treated because the needle can be inserted directly into the ‘knot’ causing a twitch response. This elicits a relaxation reaction by the body, thereby calming down the irritability of the knot. The effects have been shown to substantially decrease pain in the short and long-term.

Needling has also been shown to be very successful in patients with knee osteoarthritis, which can be particularly debilitating in some cases due to a decreased blood flow around the knee. By introducing a small electric current into the dry needle, micro-circulation around the knee increases, thereby improving the function of the joint while also reducing pain because of the release of hormones around the area.

In conclusion, there are many benefits for the treatment of various muscle conditions with acupuncture needles. Be sure to address any questions or concerns you have about acupuncture needles with your practitioner before you begin treatment.

Until next time,
Jason

Click here to view  Dry needling: a literature review with implications for clinical practice guidelines