Both dry needling and acupuncture involve the insertion of thin needles into certain parts of the body, but the similarities stop there. The major difference between dry needling and acupuncture is that dry needling is based in Western medicine whereas acupuncture is based in Chinese medicine.

Dry needling involves inserting fine acupuncture needles into trigger points within muscles which allow the muscles to release. Acupuncture works on energetic meridians in the body that can help to improve energy flow and help a multitude of conditions.

A myofascial trigger point, also known as a knot in the muscle, is a group of muscle fibres that have shortened when activated but have not lengthened back to a relaxed state after use. A myofascial trigger point develops a sensitive nodule in the muscle (Simons, Travell & Simons, 1999). In addition to this nodule, the remainder of the muscle also tightens to compensate (Simons et al., 1999; Simons, 2002). This hypersensitivity occurs as the muscle fibres become so tight that they compress the capillaries and nerves that supply them (McPartland, 2004; Simons et al., 1999). As a result, the muscle cannot frequently move, obtain a fresh blood supply containing oxygen and nutrients, or flush out additional acidic chemicals (McPartland, 2004; Simons et al., 1999). A myofascial trigger point in a muscle can lead to discomfort with touch, movement and stretching, decreased joint motion, and even a temporary loss of coordination (Simons et al., 1999).

Dry needling decreases local muscular pain and improves function by restoring a muscle’s natural ability to lengthen and shorten by releasing myofascial trigger points.

Blood pools around the needle when the delicate filament needle inserts into the centre of a myofascial trigger point, triggering the contracted muscle fibres to relax. This reaction, in turn, leads to the decompression of the local blood and nerve supply. It also helps to provide those fibres with fresh oxygen and nutrients and flush away any additional acidic chemicals.

A myofascial trigger point develops as part of the body’s protective response following:

• injury – the muscle will tighten in an attempt to reduce the severity of an injury;
• unexpected movements, e.g. descending a step that is lower than initially anticipated;
• quick movements, e.g. looking over your shoulder while driving;
• change in regular activity or muscle loading, e.g. an increase in the number or intensity of training sessions for sport;
• sustained postures e.g. prolonged sitting for work or study;
• nerve impingement – the muscle will tighten to protect the nerve;
• stress;
• illness (bacterial or viral);
• nutritional deficiencies, or;
• metabolic and endocrine conditions.

(Simons, et al., 1999)

Dry needling can assist in treatment:

• to help release myofascial trigger points (muscle knots);
• to assist with pain management and;
• to restore movement at a joint if inhibited by myofascial trigger points.

During a dry needling treatment, you may feel a mild sensation as the needle inserts and withdraws. Patients don’t report any discomfort during needle manipulation.

A brief muscle twitch may occur during a dry needling treatment. This twitch may happen when the needle directly stimulates a myofascial trigger point.

Dry needling is one of many techniques that your physiotherapist can utilise to assist with your rehabilitation. We combine dry needling with other physiotherapy techniques, including massage, manual therapy, and exercise prescription.

Every form of treatment can carry an associated risk. Your physiotherapist can explain the risks and determine whether dry needling suits you based on your injury and general health. When dry needling occurs, single-use, sterile needles are always used and disposed of immediately after using a certified sharps container.

Everybody is different and can respond differently to various treatment techniques, including dry needling. In addition to the benefits that dry needling can provide, some side effects may occur, including spotting or bruising, fainting, nausea, residual discomfort or even altered energy levels. However, these symptoms should last no longer than 24 to 48 hours after treatment.