Dry needling is a medical procedure that many healthcare professionals use to treat pain and movement issues. The procedure involves inserting a small needle directly into tight, painful parts of muscle. It may sound strange somehow because of the way it sounds (inserting a small needle), but truly, the procedure is highly effective.
According to a study, dry needling can also be effective in reducing scar tissue pain and inflammation. This procedure helps relax the muscles and produce the chemicals that help with tissue healing and pain relief. So, what are the pros and cons of dry needling?
Pros And Cons Of Dry Needling
Just like other medical procedures, dry needling comes with many benefits and side effects.
Pros Of Dry Needling
Here are some common pros of dry needling:
1) It is Very Effective
The procedure is very effective because it targets muscles and pain areas. Those small needles used in this procedure help to relax the muscle immediately after it enters the body, which then helps the muscles relax and release tension.
2) Slightly Invasive
Those small needles used for dry needling are as thin as human hair. So, Its more comfortable than other medical procedures like a syringe or a sewing needle. The pain you receive during this procedure is really slight. Some people find little or no pain when undergoing a dry needling procedure.
3) It’s Effective in Reducing Pain
Dry needling is a better option to choose over surgery or some addictive pain relief medications. It helps to reduce pain in two different ways.
By inserting needles into specific trigger points or tight muscle bands, dry needling can help release muscle tension. This release can reduce pain and improve muscle function.
The needles create small injuries that stimulate the body to heal itself. This increases blood flow, releases pain-relieving substances, and encourages tissue repair.
4) It Can Be Used With Other Medical Procedures
One of the interesting parts of this procedure is that it can be used with other medical procedures. Some medical procedures you can combine with dry needling include electrical stimulation and traditional exercise-based physical therapy.
5) It Can Also Help Manage Other Medical Conditions
There are some other medical conditions, including:
- Tendonitis
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Tennis elbow
- Plantar fasciitis
- Chronic pain
- Frozen shoulder
- Headaches and migraines
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Osteoarthritis
- Sciatica
- Sprains and strains
- TMJ
- Whiplash
Cons Of Dry Needling
1) It May Cause Muscle Soreness
One of the common side effects of dry needling is muscle soreness. The soreness will only last for a short period of time, and you will be free from the soreness within 24 hours.
2) It May Cause Bruising or Swelling
This is another common side effect of this procedure. Sometimes, your body may even feel worse than before, but don’t worry; it is common and you will be free soon.
How Often Should You Dry Needling?
How often you should dry needling depends on the severity of your issue. The average dry needling recommended is 2 or 3 sessions once a week. For some serious issues, 5 to 6 sessions, 2 per week, may be recommended. So, everything depends on the level of your issue.
What You Should Avoid After Dry Needling
There are many things you need to stay away from after dry needling for effective treatment. They includes:
- Avoid using code treatments for soreness
- Stay away from hard work or jobs. If possible, don’t stress your self with any work
- Avoid drinking alcohol. Drinking alcohol will make you dehydrated and then worsen the soreness.
- Avoid sitting one place for too long
