Dry Needling for Muscle Knots

Ever had an unexpected and annoying muscle knot? Or two? Or three? Those tight areas that seem to spring up in your muscles, also known as trigger points, can really mess with your discomfort level and even your range of motion. Thankfully, no one has to live with them forever.

One efficient way to get rid of them is to use a technique called dry needling—an approach that can be somewhat controversial even among health professionals. This article explores muscle knots, the theory behind dry needling, its benefits, and what happens during dry needling physiotherapy in Okotoks, AB.

What Are Muscle Knots?

Muscle knots, or trigger points, are tight bands of muscle fibers that develop when the muscles are stretched too much and too often. They also occur when the fibers get stressed or injured. 

Muscle knots are common and are found in the upper body, neck, and shoulders, although they can occur anywhere in the body. Their direct cause isn’t known, but they are often associated with poor posture, repetitive movement, and stress—both physical and emotional.

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a treatment technique that involves the use of thin, sterile needles inserted into specific trigger points in the muscles to achieve myofascial release. This therapeutic technique releases tightness in the bands of muscle tissue (the fascia). 

Dry needling is not acupuncture. Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese traditional medicine that is used to treat a variety of conditions. Dry needling, on the other hand, is an evidence-based practice that focuses on the treatment of musculoskeletal pain and movement impairments.

How Does Dry Needling Work?

When a dry needle is inserted into a trigger point, it stimulates the muscles to do what they were meant to do: contract and relax. This is why some people may feel an immediate sense of relief after a dry needling session. This treatment helps to relieve pain by;

Relieving Muscle Tightness

Among the many advantages offered by dry needling for muscle knots, its ability to relieve muscle tightness stands out most prominently. When applied to trigger points, dry needling reduces muscle tension, leading to improved relaxation and flexibility 

Pain Relief

Dry needling is an effective technique for many conditions because it directly targets the source of the pain and alleviates it. The tissue that is needled can be induced to relax and release the trigger point(s) that may or may not have been contributing to the pain and discomfort in a person’s muscle, joint, or tendon.

Quicker Healing 

Muscles that are tight and strained can heal faster with the help of dry needling. By treating trigger points, the exact locations in the muscle where blood flow is reduced, dry needling can bring about more rapid muscle recovery. When you use it in conjunction with other treatments, such as physiotherapy modalities, the healing process speeds up even more.

What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session for Muscle Knots 

A dry needling session begins with a trained practitioner evaluating your condition. The practitioner identifies the trigger points, and then inserts fine, filiform needles directly into the affected muscles. The routine is pretty standard from there - the therapist wiggles the needles a little, then removes the needles and bandages the puncture wounds afterward. 

The majority of patients who undergo dry needling report different feelings during the process. When the needle touches the trigger point, you could experience a mild discomfort or a twitch response. This sensation, which is usually very short-lived, and the muscle spasms that happen right before it, are signs that the needle is doing its job. Afterward, most  people feel relaxed in the area that was treated.

Who Can Benefit from Dry Needling?

Dry needling is of particular benefit to athletes, who frequently experience muscle tension and overuse injuries. The technique can expedite their recovery process and assist them in maintaining muscle flexibility, which is essential to optimal athletic performance. 

For office workers and sedentary individuals, needling can penetrate the muscle knots that form in the upper back and neck from poor posture and a lack of movement. Restoring comfort to these areas can enhance productivity.

Chronic pain affects many people, with fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and tension headaches among the most common conditions. These individuals can find substantial relief through dry needling. By paying close attention to muscle tightness, the practitioner can greatly ease the patient's condition and improve their quality of life.

Conclusion

If you are dealing with muscle knots, you might want to visit an Okotoks physical therapy clinic for an evaluation to see if you are a candidate for dry needling. With this treatment, the physiotherapist uses a very thin needle to penetrate your skin and muscles. This technique diminishes the muscle knot, which helps restore function to the muscle, and provides immediate relief of tightness and pain. If you want to learn more about this procedure, please ask your physiotherapist on your next visit.