Dry needle therapy is a physical treatment used to help relieve muscle tension, pain, muscle spasms and muscle dysfunction. This treatment is performed by inserting fine needles into specific muscles or soft tissues. But despite the name "dry" needle therapy, the needles are not usually used to inject medication. These needles are used to relax the contraction of tissues or release tensions in muscles.
Dry needle therapy usually consists of several sessions and results can vary from person to person. This treatment is a physical therapy approach used to relieve pain, promote muscle relaxation and reduce movement restrictions. However, before any treatment, it is important to consult with a health professional and evaluate treatment options.
In Which Conditions Is Dry Needle Therapy Applied?
Dry needle therapy is a method used to treat various muscle and soft tissue problems. This treatment can be applied in the following cases:
Muscle Pain and Tension: Muscle pain, tension and spasms can be relieved with dry needle therapy. It is a common option for muscle pain, especially in the neck, back, shoulders or lower back.
Sports Injuries: Dry needle therapy can be used to treat sports injuries that are common in athletes or active individuals. It can be especially effective in the treatment of tendonitis, muscle strains and sprains.
Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome that causes widespread body aches and tenderness. Dry needle therapy can help relieve fibromyalgia symptoms.
Headaches: Some types of headaches, especially tension headaches and migraines, can be treated with dry needle therapy.
Nerve Compression: In cases of nerve compression, dry needle therapy can be used to relax the muscles in the areas where the nerve is under pressure and relieve pain.
Low Back Pain: Chronic low back pain may be due to muscle tension or discs in the lumbar region. Dry needle therapy can help reduce lower back pain.
Tendonitis and Bursitis: Inflammatory conditions such as tendonitis (inflammation of the tendon) and bursitis (inflammation of the bursa sac) can be treated with dry needle therapy.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Nerve compression such as carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated with dry needle therapy.
How is Dry Needle Treatment Performed?
Dry needle treatment is applied by specialists who have received special training in the field. The treatment is a method used to relieve muscle tension and pain and is planned individually. The basic information on how the treatment is performed is as follows:
Patient Assessment: Before starting the treatment, the specialist evaluates the patient's condition. During this assessment, he/she determines the location, intensity and duration of the pain.
Treatment Plan: As a result of the assessment, a treatment plan is created. It is determined which muscles or areas will be treated and which needle techniques will be used.
Hygiene Measures: Hygiene measures are taken to reduce the risk of infection during treatment. Needles are used in a sterile way and the person performing the treatment wears gloves.
Needle Application: The practitioner inserts thin special needles into the designated muscles or soft tissues. The needles are placed under the skin, in or near the muscles. The depth of needle insertion and technique may vary depending on the treatment plan.
Treatment Sessions: Dry needle treatment usually consists of a series of sessions. The time between sessions and the number of sessions may vary depending on the patient's condition and response to the treatment.
Pain and Relief: The insertion of the needles into the muscles can help reduce tension in the muscles, relieve pain and help the muscles relax. During the treatment, the patient usually experiences a mild sense of relief.
Patient Education: After the treatment has been administered by the healthcare professional, the patient may be given exercises or care tips to do at home.
What are the side effects after dry needle treatment?
Some patients may experience mild side effects after dry needle treatment, but these side effects are usually temporary and serious complications are rare. Common side effects after dry needle treatment may include
Temporary pain and tenderness: You may experience mild pain or tenderness in the areas where the needles are inserted. This usually goes away within a few hours or a few days.
Short-term Bleeding: Mild bleeding or bruising may occur in the areas where the needles are inserted. This is usually temporary and resolves spontaneously.
Mild Fatigue: Some patients may experience a slight feeling of tiredness after treatment.
Muscle Soreness: Some patients may experience mild muscle soreness or muscle pain after treatment.
Headache: In rare cases, headache may occur after treatment.
Mild Irritation: There may be mild skin irritation at the sites where the needles were inserted.
These side effects are considered part of the response to treatment and are usually not of concern. However, in rare cases, more serious complications can occur. If you experience severe pain, signs of infection (redness, swelling, inflammation), open wounds on the skin or severe bleeding after treatment, it is important to contact a health professional immediately.