When you go to see a chiropractor, they typically manipulate your spine. Sometimes, they may guide you through some stretches or administer another beneficial therapy, such as TENS. And then, there are the occasions when a chiropractor recommends a different type of care, such as dry needling. Here are some questions you're likely to have if your chiropractor has recently recommended this treatment for you.
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a treatment that involves inserting small needles into the skin along specific parts of the body. The needles are inserted just deep enough to reach the myofascia, which is the tissue that covers your muscles. The presence of the needles triggers these tissues, causing them to relax and release.
How does dry needling differ from acupuncture?
In acupuncture, the practitioner places needles in specific spots in order to change the way energy is passing through the body. The needles are not necessarily placed in the areas where you're dealing with pain. With dry needling, the needles are specifically placed in the areas where you're having muscle pain. For example, if you're having calf pain, the needles will be inserted into your calf. The goal of dry needling is to treat the muscle itself, while the goal of acupuncture is to moderate your neural pathways.
Who performs dry needling treatments?
Some chiropractors offer this care, and others do not. It's also common for physical therapists to offer dry needling. If your chiropractor thinks you could benefit from this care but they do not offer it themselves, they should be able to recommend a practitioner who can treat you.
Does dry needling hurt?
You will feel some stinging and pinching when the needles are inserted into your muscles. However, the pain does not tend to be serious. Some practitioners will also apply a numbing agent prior to inserting the needles, which dulls the sensation even further. The pain is not serious enough to keep most patients from seeking and benefiting from this care.
Are there risks associated with dry needling?
Technically, since your skin is being penetrated with a needle, there is a risk of infection. However, this risk is greatly minimized if your practitioner uses sterile needles and wears gloves during treatment — as any reputable practitioner does.
If your chiropractor is recommending dry needling for you, don't be afraid to ask them these questions, too. They can give you some helpful guidance.
Share20 January 2022
Ever since childhood, I’ve been a driven person. Even as a young kid, I always strived to make good grades. With my schoolwork, I was never satisfied unless I made a perfect score. As an adult, I still tend to be a perfectionist. For instance, I won’t leave my home until every hair is in place on my head. In my career, I work diligently to please my many clients. Unfortunately, my perfectionist nature often causes me to become tense. Whenever I’m stressed about something, the muscles in my neck and shoulders become extremely tight. Sometimes, this issue leads to tension headaches. Thankfully, I know where to go when I begin experiencing muscle tightness. I visit my trusted chiropractor. On this blog, you will discover the methods a chiropractor uses to relieve tension headaches.
