What conditions can be treated with dry needling?
Dry needling is still relatively new in the world of medicine—so new that even your doctor may not have heard of it! Nevertheless, it’s a well-researched modality that has shown to be effective in treating a wide range of issues.
So what can dry needling treat?
Some common complaints that dry needling may be able to help with include: tennis elbow; headaches and migraines; joint problems; myofascial pain; plantar fasciitis; shin splints; shoulder impingement; spinal issues; TMJ; tendonitis; knee, hip, neck, or back pain.
See below for a more comprehensive overview of what dry needling can help with.
Musculoskeletal Conditions:
Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Many people seek out dry needling treatment for myofascial pain syndrome, even without knowing that’s what they have.
According to The Mayo Clinic, myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain condition that “involves some muscles and the thin cover of tissue that holds muscles in place, called fascia. Pressure on these areas, called trigger points, causes pain. Sometimes, the pain is felt in other parts of the body. This is called referred pain. This syndrome can happen after a muscle has been tensed over and over. Repeated motions used in jobs or hobbies can be the cause. So can stress-related muscle tension, poor posture and weak muscles. In some cases, the cause of myofascial pain is unknown.
You may have myofascial pain syndrome if you’re experiencing: deep, aching pain in a muscle; pain that persists or worsens; a tender knot in a muscle; and/or difficulty sleeping due to pain.
Dry needling can help treat myofascial pain syndrome by releasing the areas of tight muscle fibers that cause you pain.
Neck and Back Pain + Whiplash
If you’re experiencing neck or back pain, you should see your healthcare provider for a medical exam. There are multiple possible causes and they may recommend imaging to help determine the cause of your pain.
Dry needling can offer relief by addressing muscle tightness that may be the cause of the pain.
Tendonitis and Tendonopathy
Tendinopathy is a degeneration of the collagen protein that forms the tendon. Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon. According to healthline, some experts believe tendinopathy is actually more common, but less recognized and diagnosed than tendonitis.
Dry needling increases blood flow to the treated areas, which can promote tissue healing and reduce inflammation.
Neurological Conditions:
Headaches and Migraine:
Dry needling can help release muscles that may be contributing to headaches or migraine (e.g., muscles in the upper back, neck, and head area). By addressing these tight muscles and trigger points, patients may experience relief from chronic headache pain. Dry needling also increases blood flow to the area, which can promote healing.
Sciatica
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, from the lower back, through your hips and glutes down one or both legs. Sciatica is most commonly caused by a herniated disk or narrowing of the spine that compresses part of the nerve.
The pain can vary from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation that runs down your leg. Sometimes it can feel like a jolt or electric shock and it usually only affects one side of your body.
Dry needling can help relieve sciatic pain by releasing tight muscles and reducing nerve compression.
Other Conditions:
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the 2 joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull. More specifically, they are the joints that slide and rotate in front of each ear, and consist of the mandible (the lower jaw) and the temporal bone (the side and base of the skull).
The condition TMD is commonly referred to as TMJ. TMJ is defined as “constant or intermittent pain in the jaw joint (TMJ), ranging from mild to severe. It’s also often accompanied by: frequent headaches —a constant ache, throbbing, or piercing like a migraine; and clicking or popping of your jaw when you eat, talk, chew, or open your mouth.
Dry needling may alleviate TMJ/TMD by reducing muscle tension, improving jaw mobility, and reducing pain and inflammation.
Sports Injuries
If you’re an athlete, you know that injuries come with the territory. Dry needling can help treat chronic running injuries like heel pain or shin splints. Whether you’re dealing with a sprain, strain, tendinitis, bursitis, dry needling is worth considering as part of your rehabilitation plan.
When you’re ready to give dry needling a try, To The Point PDX is ready to treat you.