Dry Needling Therapy
Dry Needling Therapy: An Overview
Dry Needling Therapy, also known as Trigger Point Dry Needling or Myofascial Trigger Point Dry Needling, involves inserting thin needles into specific points within tight muscles, called trigger points, to treat myofascial pain. The primary goals are to enhance tissue healing and restore muscle function. Trigger points are knotted areas in muscles that can be sensitive and painful upon touch. Unlike acupuncture, dry needling does not involve injecting medication.
Patient Experience
During the procedure, patients might feel various sensations, such as muscle soreness, aching, or twitching, which are considered positive responses. The depth and duration of needle insertion depend on the type of pain being treated.
Dry Needling Techniques
Therapists use a range of dry needling (DN) techniques, often combining them during treatment. The necessary equipment includes needles, gloves, hand sanitizer, alcohol wipes, a needle disposal box, cotton swabs for bleeding, and a waste disposal container.
General Guidelines:
Needle Selection:
- Single-use, sterile monofilament needles are used.
- Needle length and thickness depend on patient size, the muscle being treated, and the required depth. Sizes range from 0.5 to 2.5 inches in length and 0.16 to 0.3 mm in diameter. Typically, 5-10 needles are used.
- Dry needling is often described as painless due to the needle’s blunt tip.
Hygiene Protocol:
- Follow strict hygiene protocols and wear gloves, at least on the palpating hand.
Needle Insertion:
- Identify the target muscle and use a flat or pincer grip technique.
- Insert the needle through the skin using a guide tube, which is then removed. Avoid touching the needle shaft to prevent contamination.
Techniques:
- Superficial Dry Needling: The needle is inserted to a shallow depth or to engage trigger points.
- Trigger Point Dry Needling (TrPts-DN): Involves a steady lancing motion in and out of the muscle, a dynamic needling technique aimed at eliciting local twitch responses (LTRs).
Static Needle Techniques:
- The needle may be left in place for some time, occasionally rotated to induce mechanical stress on the fascia or myofascial tissues. Ensure the needle remains safe and not near vulnerable structures. Patients should remain still and communicate with the therapist if needed.
Needle Handling:
- An individual needle may be withdrawn and reinserted during the same session without contamination. If the needle becomes blunt or contaminated, it should be replaced with a new one.
- Used needles must be immediately disposed of in a certified sharps container.