dry needling guelph

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What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling and IMS is a skilled technique performed using filiform needles (more commonly referred to as acupuncture needles) to penetrate the skin and underlying tissues to affect changes in the body structures and function to manage neuromusculoskeletal conditions, pain, and movement impairments. Dry needling often involves targeting muscle trigger points and the nerve pathways that supply the affected tissue.

The benefits of dry needling can include:

  • Increased blood flow to targeted tissues
  • Reducing muscular trigger points and “resetting” tissues
  • Decreasing Pain

Dry needling may cause some tenderness but the intent is to cause a quick contraction followed by muscle release thereby improving the function of the muscle, decreasing symptoms, and opening a window of opportunity to retrain movement patterns and allow comfortable loading of tissues. The muscle contractions can be elicited by manually manipulating the inserted needle or using electrical stimulation.

common conditions Treated with Dry Needling: 

  • Back, hip and sciatic pain
  • Knee pain
  • Ankle sprains
  • Achilles Tendinopathy
  • Foot pain (Plantar Fasciitis)
  • Neck pain and headaches
  • Shoulder pain (rotator cuff tendinopathy, rotator cuff tear)
  • Elbow pain (tennis elbow, golfer's elbow)
  • Muscle strains
  • Mobility restrictions

Dry needling can be performed by specific Physiotherapists and Chiropractors who have taken additional post-graduate training and courses. Here at Defy, we are the only clinic in Guelph that practices Functional Dry Needling (FDN). This concept helps to address the whole body function by placing needles strategically in tissues for maximal impact on one or more systems to address physical impairments, motor impairments and sensory experiences within a movement and neurological framework.

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DRY NEEDLING FAQs

Dry needling is a technique used by healthcare providers, including Physiotherapists, to treat musculoskeletal pain and movement issues. It involves inserting thin needles into specific points, known as trigger points, to alleviate pain, reduce muscle tightness, increase blood flow, and improve local and referred pain. The needles are solid and do not contain medication, thus the term “dry.” Dry needling aims to reduce muscular trigger points, reduce muscle pain and stiffness, and improve flexibility and range of motion.

The negative aspects of dry needling may include potential side effects such as soreness, bruising, and temporary discomfort during and after treatment. Additionally, there is a risk of rare but serious complications, such as a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) if the needling is performed in the thoracic area. It’s crucial to ensure that the provider performing dry needling has received proper training to minimize the risk of complications. At Defy, our Physiotherapists have taken extra coursework and are rostered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario in order to provide this service.

Dry needling is controversial due to the range of credentialing available for practitioners, as well as the lack of formal regulation. There is not one test that a practitioner must pass, so there is a range of skill levels performing this technique.  If you are curious about the coursework our Clinicians have taken in order to perform dry needling, please ask and we are happy to provide this information to you. The absence of standardized training and certification processes raises concerns about the qualifications and legitimacy of those performing the procedure, which can contribute to potential, but rare, safety issues. Additionally, the lack of a governing body to oversee training and qualifications add to the controversy surrounding dry needling.

After dry needling treatment, it is important to avoid sedentary behavior and engage in light movement and exercise to improve the longer term effect of the needling. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also recommended. However, vigorous physical activities and hot showers should be avoided immediately after the treatment to allow the body to benefit fully from the needling.

Dry needling and acupuncture are not the same. While both procedures involve penetrating the skin with thin needles, they differ in their approach and training. Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and treats various systems of the body, while dry needling is based in Western medicine and focuses on musculoskeletal pain, trigger point reduction, and improved movement. Acupuncture can be  performed by Licensed Acupuncturists, however there are also Physiotherapists and Chiropractors who have taken advanced coursework in acupuncture.  Dry needling is typically performed by Physical Therapists or Chiropractors with specific training.

The duration of dry needling results varies by individual and the condition being treated. Some people may experience improvement in pain and mobility almost immediately after a session, while others may require multiple sessions to achieve significant and lasting relief. The effectiveness and duration of results depend on a client’s specific condition, response to treatment, and what they are doing after they leave the clinic.

Pros:

  • Effectiveness in targeting specific muscles and pain points
  • Ability to make immediate changes that clients can feel
  • Specific, targeted intervention

Cons:

  • Potential for bruising, swelling, and muscle soreness
  • Rare, but serious, risks such as pneumothorax if performed in the thoracic area
  • Lack of standardized regulations and qualifications for practitioners

The frequency of dry needling sessions is determined based on the individual’s condition, response to treatment, and the overall treatment plan. Some individuals may experience immediate relief, while others require multiple sessions for significant and lasting benefits. The treatment frequency is individualized based on the client’s needs, and will always be a collaborative discussion between the clinician and the client. We see treatment frequency ranging from twice a week in an acute injury phase, all the way to once every few months as needed.

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