If you’re searching for holistic pain relief and pain management, you’re not alone. Pain affects quality of life, and whether you’re a busy mom, active professional, athlete, or someone who’s been recently injured, dry needling for pain can help!
In this article, we will dive deep into the world of dry needling for pain and discover the differences between dry needling and acupuncture, uncover the science behind why dry needling is effective, and find out how this holistic approach to pain management really works!
Dry Needling vs Acupuncture
Dry needling and acupuncture both use sterile needles that are inserted into the body to get a specific desired result, but that’s where the similarities stop.
Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese medicine, is an energy practice with both mental and physical benefits. During acupuncture, sterile needles are inserted into acupuncture points along the body, known as the meridian line. This is done in an attempt to balance the nervous system and restore the flow of energy in the body. During acupuncture, needles are left in the body until they are released by the muscle, typically 15 – 30 minutes.
Acupuncture patients typically come to see us for these reasons…
Musculoskeletal Pain
- Arthritis
- Back
- Muscle cramping
- Muscle pain and weakness
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Tennis elbow
- Fibromyalgia
- Myofascial pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Lower back pain
- Carpal tunnel
Emotional Difficulties
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- PTSD
- Addiction
Digestive Issues
- Gas & bloating
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Abdominal pain
- Heartburn
Neurological Issues
- Headaches / migraines
- Neurogenic bladder dysfunction
- Sciatica
- Pins & needles
Gynecological Problems
- Menstrual pain
- Infertility
Acupuncture is great for balancing the body and providing relief from a variety of issues. On the other hand, dry needling is not an energy practice, but a pain management practice.
During dry needling, a sterile needle is inserted into a tight muscle and the muscle is manipulated with the needle until it is released. This release causes the muscle to relax and releases endorphins for an overall feeling of relaxation and pain relief.
At our Springfield dry needling clinic, we love this holistic pain management practice because it can help with…
- Headaches/migraines
- Back pain
- Tennis elbow
- Postoperative pain
- Hip pain
- Shoulder pain
Why Holistic Pain Management Works
Dry needling for pain is becoming more well-known as an effective, holistic approach to pain relief, especially for those dealing with chronic pain, sports injuries, or recovering from serious injuries such as accidents and trauma.
Traditional pain management options target symptoms but don’t address the root cause. Dry needling, on the other hand, directly targets trigger points within the muscles to provide true healing and pain relief. For example, Advil may help your symptoms of pain, but it doesn’t release tension from the muscle, which means you’ll be hurting again in a few hours when the medication wears off.
When a muscle is tight or overactive due to injury or stress, it can cause a cascade of symptoms including pain, limited range of motion, and impaired function. Dry needling helps to break up these dysfunctional muscle patterns, allowing the muscle to return to its normal resting state. Dry needling disrupts the cycle of pain and muscle dysfunction, making it an effective treatment for many!
How Does Dry Needling Reduce Pain?
Dry needling works to reduce pain and improve muscle function by eliciting a local twitch response (LTR) within the muscle. When the needle is inserted into a trigger point, it can stimulate a reflexive twitch response, which helps to reset the muscle and release tension.
The relief from pain comes almost instantly as dry needling stimulates the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters within the body. We know that endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers, and a rush of these happy hormones brings an overwhelming feeling of relief.
Endorphins are more powerful than pain medication. The name dry needling means that no medicine is used in the treatment! This is a stark contrast to lidocaine injections, which are performed by medical professionals and use medication.
Dry needling benefits include:
- Improved blood flow to the affected area
- Increased oxygen to the muscle
- Reduced muscle tension and strain
- Enhanced range of motion
- Faster recovery
To sum this whole thing up, we believe dry needling is a safe and effective treatment option for individuals seeking relief from pain and dysfunction. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, recovering from a sports injury, or looking to improve your overall well-being, dry needling offers a holistic approach that targets the root cause of your symptoms. See our Springfield, MO Dry Needling Locations now to schedule your dry needling appointment!