Get to the Point- What’s up with Dry needling?

In the realm of modern physical therapy or PT 2.0 as we like to call it, functional dry needling (FDN) has emerged as a powerful technique for treating a variety of musculoskeletal issues. If you’re unfamiliar with this method, you might be wondering how it works, who could benefit from it, and what specific advantages it offers. Here, we will delve into the ins and outs of functional dry needling, including its therapeutic benefits and how it is performed.

What is Functional Dry Needling?

Defined by the APTA,

"Functional Dry Needling (FDN) is a skilled technique performed by a physical therapist using filiform needles to penetrate the skin and/or underlying tissues to affect change in body structures and functions for the evaluation and management of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, pain, movement impairments and disability."

Many associate dry needling to acupuncture, but unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles, dry needling focuses on modern anatomy and physiology. The goal of FDN is to not only to release muscle tension, but to improve blood flow, change neurodynamics, and promote overall tissue healing by targeting these specific points in the muscle tissue.

Who Can Benefit from Functional Dry Needling?

Functional dry needling can be beneficial for a wide range of individuals experiencing musculoskeletal issues. Common conditions that may be treated with FDN include:

- Chronic Pain: Individuals suffering from persistent muscle pain or discomfort that has not responded well to other treatments.

- Sports Injuries: Athletes dealing with muscle strains, sprains, or tension resulting from overuse or trauma.

-Preparation + Recovery: Athletes (everyone who moves their body intentionally is an athlete in my book) preparing or recovering from a big game/race/event or

- Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Patients recovering from surgery who have developed muscle tightness or dysfunction as part of their recovery process.

- Poor Posture and Ergonomic Issues: Those experiencing pain and discomfort due to poor posture or repetitive strain from activities such as prolonged sitting or repetitive motions.

- Headaches and Migraines: Individuals whose headaches may be related to muscular tension in the neck and shoulders.

How Is Functional Dry Needling Done?

The process of functional dry needling typically involves the following steps:

1. Assessment: A comprehensive evaluation is performed to look at movement patterns and any deficiencies or dysfunctions.

2. Needle Insertion: A thin, sterile needle is inserted into the targeted muscle. The insertion may cause a brief, sharp sensation or a “twitch” response in the muscle, which is a sign that the needle is effectively targeting the problem area.

3. Stimulation: The needle may be manipulated or gently moved within the muscle to stimulate the affected area. This helps to release tightness and promote blood flow. Generally, those who use e-stim with needling have less soreness after than those who receive pitoning (manually moving the needle) or situ (static needle placement)

4. Removal and Follow-Up: After a short period of time, the needle is removed. We follow up needling with exercises to get to the root cause of the patients problem.

Therapeutic Benefits of Functional Dry Needling

Functional dry needling offers several therapeutic benefits that contribute to improved muscle function and overall well-being:

-Pain Modulation: Dry needling can help modulate pain by reducing muscle tension and improving blood flow to the affected areas. This can lead to decreased pain perception and increased comfort.

-Neuromuscular Benefits: FDN can enhance neuromuscular function by recruiting muscle fibers that may be underactive or dysfunctional. This improves muscle tone, output, and contractile thickness, leading to better overall muscle performance.

 -Tissue Health: By stimulating the muscle tissue, dry needling promotes improved tissue health and regeneration. This helps to reduce muscle tightness, increase flexibility, and facilitate healing.

 -Hemodynamics: Dry needling enhances local blood flow and circulation, which supports the removal of metabolic waste products and the delivery of essential nutrients to the affected tissues.

 -Autonomic Responses: The technique can influence the autonomic nervous system, leading to relaxation and reduced stress responses. This can have a positive impact on overall physical and emotional well-being.

 -Lymphatic Clearance: FDN can aid in lymphatic drainage by improving circulation and reducing swelling. This promotes the removal of toxins and waste products from the body.

 -Cortical Mapping: Dry needling may influence cortical mapping in the brain, leading to improved motor control and sensory processing. This can contribute to better overall movement and function.

Functional dry needling is a valuable tool our physical therapy toolkit, offering a range of benefits for those dealing with musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. By improving muscle function, dry needling can play a key role in relieving pain, enhancing recovery, and promoting overall health.

If you’re considering functional dry needling as part of your treatment plan, consult with a qualified physical therapist or healthcare professional to determine if it’s the right approach for your specific needs. Embrace the potential of FDN and take a step towards improved muscle function and pain relief today!

About Our Practice: At Renew, we specialize in advanced physical therapy techniques, including functional dry needling, to provide effective and personalized care. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you achieve optimal health and wellness through innovative and evidence-based treatments. Contact us today to learn more about how functional dry needling can benefit you.

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