How Dry Needling Therapy Can Treat Migraines

Migraines can greatly disrupt everyday life, hitting the core of your ability to work, enjoy hobbies, and maintain a social life. Because they are so debilitating, there is an urgent need to discover and disseminate treatments that are effective. One relatively new treatment that is getting a lot of attention and seems quite promising is dry needling. 

In this article, we're going to take a good look at how dry needling works, its benefits for migraine sufferers, and what you can expect in a session if you decide to give it a try.

What is A Migraine?

A migraine is a serious headache that is accompanied by symptoms that make a person feel very ill. Often, it isn't just the pain that causes patients to seek help. Rather, it's the combination of problems that arises when one is struck by this condition. For instance, you could have a severe pulsing headache accompanied by vomiting, light sensitivity, and eye pain.

What Triggers Migraines? 

Although they vary among individuals, the most frequent migraine triggers include stress, hormonal changes, specific foods (like chocolate and aged cheese), insufficient sleep, and various environmental factors. 

For people who experience migraines, identifying and staying away from the most common migraine triggers can be a huge help in managing these severe headaches.

What is Dry Needling? 

Dry needling in Okotoks is a technique used in physiotherapy that consists of inserting very thin needles into certain points in myofascial trigger points (muscle knots) and in the vicinity of these points (the taut band of muscle fibers around the trigger point). 

The primary intent of the treatment is to relieve the tightness in the muscles associated with the trigger points. 

Unlike acupuncture, which is traditionally based, dry needling is a modern treatment that focuses on treating musculoskeletal problems.

What Benefits Does Dry Needling Offer for Migraine Treatment?

When it comes to treating migraines, dry needling can do several things, including;

Muscle Tension Relief 

Dry needling can and does largely and effectively relieve muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. When you have a migraine, the muscles in your neck, upper back, jaw, shoulders, and even the front of your head are all tense and probably pretty sore.

Decreasing Migraine Frequency and Intensity

Research has indicated that dry needling can lessen how often and how bad migraines can be. Generally, after having undergone dry needling treatment, patients will say that they have had fewer migraines and that when they do get one, it's not nearly as bad as it could be. 

Enhanced Blood Circulation

Because dry needling eases tension in tight muscles and nerves, it improves blood flow to the area which in turn, reduces pain.

Improved Range of Motion 

By addressing tension in the neck and shoulders, dry needling can release trigger points that restrict your movement. This can improve the range of motion in your neck, helping you move your head without pain.

What To Expect During a Dry Needling Session 

When you visit your therapist for dry needling, they will first assess the severity of your condition and medical history to know if the treatment is right for you. If you qualify for treatment, your therapist will proceed.

They will feel around the painful area for trigger points. After identifying these points, your therapist will insert the needles to relieve tension. The needles may stay in for a few minutes, depending on your condition. 

Who is Dry Needling for? 

This technique can be beneficial for people with chronic migraine and people suffering from tension-type headaches. If you're the kind of person whose workouts seem to trigger your migraines, then you might also want to give dry needling a shot. It might help to relieve the tension and tightness in your trigger points and in the muscles around your head and neck.

Is Dry Needling Safe?

When a trained professional performs it, dry needling is generally safe. You may experience some common side effects, like temporary soreness or bruising at the insertion sites, but serious complications are rare. 

It's also important to note that certain people should not have the procedure done. Pregnant women and those with bleeding disorders, for example, should avoid dry needling. If you're considering this treatment, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider.

In conclusion, 

Dry needling is a potential treatment for migraines that appears to offer results in dealing with the muscle tension so often associated with migraine triggers. If you are a migraine sufferer, you clearly have nothing to lose by exploring this treatment option with your physiotherapist. 

We are now offering dry needling at our physiotherapy in Okotoks clinic, and we'd be happy to discuss with you whether this treatment could serve your needs and help you live better.