If you have an injury or overuse your muscles; it can cause muscle contractions which do not relax. As a result of this, tight muscle fibres also called as trigger points are formed. These can become constant source of pain and if left untreated, they can go beyond the knot and cause further physical aches and problems. They can also be caused by a lack of exercise, prolonged sitting or bed rest as lack of movement weakens the muscles, which makes them susceptible to developing a trigger point.
One of the finest and most known ways of dealing with trigger point and breaking their cycle is dry needling. Dry needling is a procedure wherein a dry needle or acupuncture needle is inserted into muscle. This invasive procedure relaxes the muscles, boosts blood flow, minimizes inflammation and commences a healing response.
There are 4 major ways in which dry needling can help you.
1] Instant pain relief
Experience of pain often alleviates as the blood flow improves when the knot relaxes. When the circulation is improved, muscles receive better oxygen and nutrients to facilitate faster healing as the acidic wastes are carried away.
Most patients usually experience relief in pain right after the first session. However, the severity and number of trigger points can determine the duration to feel relieved.
2] Regain sense of motion
Tigger points and tight painful muscles can limit your mobility. When your range of motion is reduced, the muscles can lose mass. Dry needling can tackle the trigger points, thereby not restricting your movements and further, when this is paired with physiotherapy, you can regain optimal sense of motion.
3] Improve chronic pain conditions
Myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia are two chronic conditions caused by trigger points. Dry needling paired with physiotherapy is one of the best treatments to improve the chronic pains.
4] Accelerate recovery
Often following an injury or surgery, healing is promoted by movement. Additional to physiotherapy, when dry needling is used, it can act as a catalyst and accelerate the process.
For dry needling to be effective, it must be carried out by trained, skilled and licensed professionals so that side effects are avoided. At Integral Performance Physiotherapy clinic, you can gain access to a proficient team, which will successfully carry out the procedure, giving you great results. If you are availing their physiotherapy treatment, dry needling will not be charged and will be done within 5–10 minutes!
