History of Dry Needling

Dry needling did not emerge with any fanfare or an extravagant introduction but rather almost an accidental discovery from the use of injections to treat muscle pain. It was more widely accepted at the time due to the presence of acupuncture and its presumed effectiveness. Brav and Sigmond back in 1941 then made a clam that pain could be relieved by simple needling without the injection of any substance.

Dry Needling is thought to be the same principles and delivery as Chinese acupuncture however this is quite a common misconception. In 1974 a US Physician with an interest in pain began exploring tender points in several conditions, from there the concept of Dry Needling begun.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry Needling is now a fairly common technique that Physiotherapist’s have in their treatment toolbox. There are a few different types of dry needling and each therapist tends to needle differently to the next, each with the same affect. Dry Needling is the use of solid filament (acupuncture) needles introduced into the skin and tissues (muscles) below.

How does Dry Needling Work?

The bodies response to dry needling is a complex one and the exact mechanism of how it works is not completely known as yet. From reading the literature there seems to be an increasing level of awareness that by inserting a dry needle into a muscle there are positive electrical and chemical changes in the body. The following are a few different ways of thought for how needling works:

• A needle is inserted into a myofascial trigger point this then causes a local twitch response (muscle contracture) which then releases the bodies own opiods (pain relieving chemicals)
• By inserting a needle into the muscle the brains pain gate is closed, resulting in immediate pain relief to that specific area
• The needle causes micro damage to the muscle fibres which kick starts an inflammatory process with increased blood flow to the region, promoting healing and muscle relaxation

Is Dry Needling the Same as Acupuncture?

No! Whilst the needles used are the same, there is a distinct difference behind the theories and evidence behind them. Acupuncture is more of an oriental/Chinese medicine style of treatment and focuses on the flow of energy through the body. Dry Needling is western and as explained above has proven to show change in the tissues. There is strong evidence supporting Acupuncture as a placebo treatment. That is that if you believe acupuncture will help you it will. Dry Needling on the other hand has demonstrated positive tissue change regardless of your own beliefs.

Will Dry Needling hurt?

Dry needling is generally pain free however when inserting the needle you may feel a light pin prick sensation. Occasionally the needle causes a muscle contraction, this can be followed by a period of a deep ache. With all other Physiotherapy treatments there is the risk of post treatment soreness. Your Physiotherapist would only recommend Dry Needling to you if they thought it was going to be beneficial.

We hope that clears up some of the myths and misconceptions of dry needling, if you have any questions regarding dry needling or any other matter of physio or pain then why not give us a call today and speak to one of our friendly physio’s!

Written by Matt Beavis

References

Legge, D (2015) A History of Dry Needling, Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain

Leibing et al. (2002) Acupuncture Treatmen of Chronic-Low Back Pain, Journal of Pain Sciences