Dry Needling
Dry needle therapy is one of the modern methods used in the treatment of pain caused by muscle contractions and fibromyalgia. This method, which provides relief of the painful area by stimulating the muscles, is effective in eliminating many problems.
What Is Dry Needle Treatment?
Dry needling is a method applied in the scope of physical therapy and rehabilitation, and aims to improve chronic musculoskeletal diseases and the pain caused by these diseases.
It is also used in the treatment of movement restrictions. Dry needling is performed with fine injection needles that do not contain medication, and it tries to relieve muscle stiffness thanks to the mechanics of the needle. Thin and various sized needles relax the muscles by stimulating them, thus preventing pain formation.
What Is Dry Needle Treatment Used For?
There are different diseases in which dry needle treatment is used and these diseases are generally listed as follows:
- Back pain
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain
- Fibromyalgia syndrome
- Sports injuries
- Golfer and tennis elbow
- Shoulder movement limitation and pain
- Painful muscle spasms
- Spinal pain associated with trauma
- Jaw joint pain
- Muscle tensions caused by posture disorder or scoliosis
- Hand, shoulder, heel, elbow and hip tendonitis
To Whom Is Dry Needle Treatment Applied?
Dry needle treatment is generally suitable for people of all ages and genders, but not for children under 12-15 years of age. Different diseases in the person do not constitute an obstacle to this treatment, and thanks to the minimum level of needle sensation, it can also be applied to those who are afraid of needles.
Keeping the needles used in the treatment in the body for a few seconds to a few minutes makes the application easy. In this way, there is no or very little bleeding in the body. In order for the treatment to be applied in pregnant women, certain conditions must be met.
How Is Dry Needle Treatment Performed?
Muscle cramps cause spasms and trigger points in the muscles. These points are commonly referred to as “knots”
Dry needling is applied by inserting thin needles into the knots and holding them there for a few seconds. This application helps to relieve muscle spasm and relax the muscle.
Dry needling, also known by the acronym IMT, aims to eliminate the activation at the trigger point. For this purpose, needles of various lengths are used, which are very effective. This technique is applied to the muscles to relieve conditions that cause pain due to contraction and manifest themselves with loss of function.
Dry needling is often confused with acupuncture, but it is very different from acupuncture. Acupuncture is applied to meridians and points associated with meridians in the body for 20 minutes. In dry needling, the duration is not that long and drug-free needles are held for only a few seconds or minutes.
The number of needles used can be increased depending on the level of muscle involvement, and in some cases, a single needle is sufficient. Dry needling, which is usually scheduled in 1-2 sessions per week, is evaluated according to the individual’s disease and level of improvement. An average of 3-5 sessions of treatment is usually sufficient, but in people with more severe conditions, 8-10 sessions may be required.
Things To Consider In Dry Needle Treatment
Dry needling is a treatment that is applied using needles, so it should be performed under the supervision of a qualified physician. Incorrect applications can lead to irreversible problems, so it is necessary to consult with experts for the most effective and accurate treatment.
With correct applications, it is possible to relieve pain problems in a short period of time. In addition, applying the exercises recommended by the doctor after treatment also helps to move the joints more easily. There is no problem in washing and leaving the affected area open after application.
