Dry Needling

Dry Needling

Dry needling is a treatment method in which very thin, sterile, single-use needles are inserted through the skin into the skin and underlying tissue (1). The goal is to relieve pain, release muscle tension and improve mobility (2). Dry needling is commonly used, for example, for muscle knots (so-called trigger points) (3).

The treatment is carried out by specially trained professionals (2). Depending on the technique, the needle is inserted only superficially or more deeply into the muscle. When the trigger point in the muscle is hit, it may contract, causing a twitch, which is normal and even desired, as it helps relax the muscle (4). This twitch response is thought to modulate local neuromuscular activity, which reduces the inflammatory response around the trigger point (3). In some cases, the needle remains in the muscle for a short period (approx. 20–30 minutes) (5).

Dry needling may only be performed by professionals with excellent knowledge of human anatomy who know precisely when a particular method is appropriate and when it is not. Hygiene and safety play a very important role in this (6).

Not everyone is suitable for dry needling. The method is not appropriate if someone has an acute infection, is taking blood thinners, has a blood clotting disorder, or has impaired skin sensation. Dry needling must also not be used on skin injuries, skin inflammation, or lymphedema in the treatment area. For pregnant women, children, or people with certain pre-existing conditions (such as epilepsy), it must be carefully assessed beforehand whether the treatment is appropriate and safe (3).

Mild side effects may occur after treatment, such as a small bruise or muscle soreness like pain lasting one to two days. In very rare cases, stronger reactions such as dizziness, circulatory problems, or infections can occur. Serious complications are rare (7).

In summary: when performed by well trained professionals with potential risks assessed beforehand, dry needling is a safe and effective method for treating muscle tension and pain (7).

Text: Céline Mischler & Tatiana Ryll

^Quellen

^{(1) Caramagno, J., Adrian, L., Mueller, L., & Purl, J. (2015).  AnalysisCompetenciesforDryNeedlingbyPT.pdf. https://www.acewm.org/uploads/content_files/files/AnalysisCompetenciesforDryNeedlingbyPT.pdf}

^{(2) Bachmann, S., Colla, F., Gröbli, C., Mungo, G., Gröbli, L., Reilich, P., & Weissmann, R. (2022, August 19). Dry Needling: Geschichte. http://www.dryneedling.ch/de/dry-needling/dry-needling-geschichte/}

^{(3) Bachmann, S., Colla, F., Gröbli, C., Mungo, G., Gröbli, L., Reilich, P., & Weissmann, R. (2022, August 19). Triggerpunkte: Pathophysiologie und Behandlung. https://www.dryneedling.ch/de/dry-needling/triggerpunkte-pathophysiologie-und-behandlung/}

^{(4) Dejung, B., Gröbli, C., Colla, F., & Weissmann, R. (2009). Triggerpunkt-Therapie: Die Behandlung akuter und chronischer Schmerzen im Bewegungsapparat mit manueller Triggerpunkt-Therapie und Dry Needling, 3. Aufl. Huber, Bern.}

^{(5) Dunning, J., Butts, R., Mourad, F., Young, I., Flannagan, S., & Perreault, T. (2014). Dry needling: A literature review with implications for clinical practice guidelines. Physical Therapy Reviews: PTR, 19(4), 252–265. https://doi.org/10.1179/108331913X13844245102034} 

^{(6) Gautschi, R., & Böhni, U. (2014). Das myofasziale Schmerzsyndrom. Manuelle Medizin, 52(3), 203–213. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00337-014-1114-4}

^{(7) Brady, S., McEvoy, J., Dommerholt, J., & Doody, C. (2014). Adverse events following trigger point dry needling: A prospective survey of chartered physiotherapists. The Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 22(3), 134–140. https://doi.org/10.1179/2042618613Y.0000000044}

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