The Pros and Cons of Dry Needling: A Performance Physical Therapist’s Perspective
As a performance physical therapist, I use trigger point dry-needling with the majority of my clients due to the fast and effective results I see case by case.
This method of physical therapy treatment involves inserting thin, monofilament needles into trigger points/tight muscles to decrease pain and improve range of motion and function. As a performance physical therapist, understanding the benefits of dry needling and the limitations of the treatment is crucial for making informed decisions about patient care.
Here, I’ll dive into the pros and cons of dry needling from a performance physical therapist’s perspective.
Pros of Dry Needling
Pain Relief
Needling can effectively target specific trigger points and muscle knots, which helps relieve pain locally after a period of soreness. Some clients even feel an immediate release in tension during the treatment. This precision allows us to treat deep and hard-to-get-to muscles more effectively and concisely, thereby reducing pain. We can also see this treatment utilized to decrease chronic pain from injuries that may not be acute or the result of a hard workout.
Improved Range of Motion
Dry needling has been shown to improve range of motion due to tightened/shortened muscles. Decreasing the tension in the muscles allows the client to access increased range of motion and improve overall mobility.
Improved Muscle Function
Studies on dry needling have shown it is effective in increasing muscle activation and function in healthy individuals. This is why you may see high level athletes using dry needling, without the presence of an injury or pain, to optimize performance.
Non-Pharmacological Treatment
Dry needling also offers an alternative to medication for pain management, reducing the risk of dependency on painkillers and associated side effects.
Quick Results
Immediate Relief: Patients typically report feeling a “release” or that they “can feel that it’s working” within the treatment session. Patients also report significant relief after the soreness of a dry needling session wears off, making it an attractive option for those seeking fast results.
Cons of Dry Needling
Discomfort and Side Effects
The insertion of needles can cause discomfort, and patients may experience soreness, bruising, or minor bleeding at the needle sites.
Variable Efficacy
The effectiveness of dry needling can vary significantly between individuals. While some patients experience substantial relief, others may see minimal to no improvement. However, we find that most of clients experience relief after one treatment.
Lack of Standardization:
There is no universally accepted protocol for dry needling, leading to variations in technique and potentially inconsistent results. However, all of our therapists are trained through the same certification process and many of our clients have told us our techniques work better than other dry needling they have had in the past. Multiple clients have told us we offer the best dry needling in Jacksonville. 😉
Risk of Complications
As with any procedure, there is a risk. This can range anywhere from bruising, and infection to allergic reaction and major complications, including… death. This highlights the importance of seeking treatment from a qualified and experienced practitioner. Make sure your practitioner is wearing gloves on BOTH hands, and is taking their time and looking for pulses, landmarks, etc. before they needle you. Ask questions like “How long have you been dry needling?” and “How many patients do you perform dry needling on?” to gauge your practitioner’s experience.
It’s NOT Magic
Though dry needling can often provide immediate relief of pain, it is NOT magic. Make sure your practitioner is using strengthening and loading as a part of your treatment. Dry needling only addresses the symptom and not the root cause. Following up with relevant strengthening and loading will allow you to keep your improved range of motion and muscle functions longer and phase the dependence of dry needling out.
Dry needling offers a range of benefits, particularly for pain relief, improvement of range of motions, and increased muscle function, making it a valuable tool in performance physical therapy.
However, it’s essential to weigh these benefits against the potential drawbacks, such as discomfort, variable efficacy, and the risk of complications and understand the pros and cons of the treatment. By staying informed and seeking properly trained practitioners, you can experience the benefits of effective dry needling and optimize your performance.
Where to find dry needling treatment
We’re located in Jacksonville Beach, Florida and serve the Jacksonville area with (so we are told) the best dry needling treatment (based on reviews from patients as far as comfort and results go). If you’d like to schedule, just click here and you can get started by booking a free call with us.
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