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Dry needling therapy
Veldhoven & Waalre
Dry needling therapy is a treatment method used by physiotherapists that can be effective for many complaints. A “dry” acupuncture needle is used, so no fluid is injected into the muscle. Using a special technique, muscles are punctured, causing rapid and lasting relaxation. After the treatment, the muscle can function better again. Waste products are removed, resulting in improved blood flow. The muscle becomes stronger, more flexible, and more relaxed. Symptoms ultimately disappear after dry needling, as function is restored.
This effective treatment method can be used for various complaints.
- Stiff muscles and joints
- RSI complaints
- Neck, shoulder, or arm complaints
- Tennis elbow or forearm and wrist complaints
- Lower back, hip, gluteal, and leg muscle complaints
- Cramps, radiating pain, or heel spurs
- Long-term complaints treated with dry needling therapy can also be resolved.
During dry needling, a dry acupuncture needle is inserted into trigger points. The treatment focuses on eliminating these trigger points. If the correct trigger point is punctured with a needle, these points in the muscle(s) will relax quickly and lastingly. First, the muscles are examined in more detail, and for persistent complaints, the therapist often treats multiple muscles in the arm or leg, as well as the muscles along the spine.
Trigger points often cause radiating pain. Therefore, the therapist may treat a different area than the one where the pain is located.
With dry needling therapy, results are noticeable after just four treatments. The effectiveness of the therapy on the treated muscles varies from person to person. The result will be that the patient will be able to move pain-free and will no longer suffer from stiff muscles. It is important to do targeted exercises alongside the treatment to enhance its effectiveness.
Dry needling therapy treats trigger points by inserting small needles into the trigger point. Dry needling uses needles without the use of fluid (dry needling). Inserting the needle causes the trigger point to briefly contract (Local Twitch Response), but then relaxes. This is because sufficient blood flow, energy (ATP), is restored to the muscle, allowing it to eventually contract and relax properly.
Read a study on dry needling here.