Dry Needling: another treatment method for your injuries

​Written by: Melanie Talastas-Soriano CAT(C) 

What is dry needling?

Dry needling (DN) is another treatment method for musculoskeletal injuries that certified practitioners provide for patients’ ultimate tissue healing. DN uses thin needles to treat myofascial trigger point that causes pain and muscle tightness. 

The mechanics of the DN: The thin needles penetrate to the skin (superficial dermal structures) to the fascia (thin sheet that surrounds the muscle and organs) and deep into the muscle belly, where the pain is located (trigger point). The insertion point of the needle is guided by the therapist's palpation as it focuses on the specific injured area and injured tissue.
When the needles are inserted in the body, the goal is to enhance blood flow to the injured area to promote healing. The needles can be in the tissue for 5 - 20 minutes. During this time, the certified practitioner will use dry needling techniques to enhance the treatment plan.

Prior to the treatment, the patient will be in a relaxed position at all times. This position also promotes the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and it eliminates involuntary muscle contractions for a pain free treatment. 
What makes dry needling beneficial to injured tissues, it not only focuses on the muscle belly but it also focuses on connective tissue structures like:

• Musculotendinous junction
• Tendons
• Tenoperiosteal junction
• Periosteum
• Ligaments
• Scars

Examples of injuries that DN has proven to have improved:

• Tendinopathy (epicondylitis, achilles and patellar tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis)
• Headaches
• Tight muscles
• Ankle, Knee, SI Joint ligament sprains
• Chronic joint swelling
• Post surgical scars

​Everybody has a different response to dry needling. Some get immediate relief with a noticeable difference with their chronic joint swelling, stiffness on and around the surgical scars, and tight muscles. Some may need more treatments than others. Dry needling is effective mostly before a hands on treatment, especially before a rehab exercise program for that day. It will definitely help with improving joint function and mobility. 

---

Range of motion before treatment.

DN on levator scapulae and rhomboids

Range of motion after treatment.

Dry Needling on surgical scars:

ACL reconstructive surgery scars.

Patellar tendon repair scars.

---

Here’s what a patient said about Dry needling:

I am receiving dry needling for scar tissue from a knee operation and for a chronically tight neck resulting from a whiplash injury years ago. In both cases the results are positive and immediate. It really works!  - George

The next time you visit our clinic, ask about dry needling treatment with your Athletic Therapy session here at Insahyu.
​
Online booking available insahyu.juvonno.com/plogin.php or call us at 204-885-9292.

Dry Needling Course taken from ​
​https://www.masterdryneedling.com/