Dry needling is a treatment method for managing musculoskeletal pain and enhancing movement. Usually, it is incorporated into a comprehensive pain management regimen that may include exercise, stretching, and massage.
If you’re recommended a dry needling treatment in Singapore, you can expect the treatment itself to target trigger points by your provider inserting thin needles into or around them. This stimulation would then prompt the target muscles to contract or twitch to help reduce pain and enhance flexibility.
Unlike acupuncture, which follows traditional Chinese medicine principles, dry needling is based on modern anatomy and physiology. It’s particularly beneficial for addressing chronic pain, muscle tension, and mobility issues.
While individual experiences vary, many patients report significant improvements in their condition after undergoing dry needling sessions. On this page, we address the frequently asked question, does dry needling actually work? Keep reading;
Table of Contents
Does Dry Needling Actually Work?
Dry needling in Singapore has been there for quite some time. But, one of the questions we have had to answer most of the time is; does dry needling actually work?
The answer is yes, dry needling actually works. To alleviate pain, dry needling helps stimulate the trigger points, which can increase blood flow to reduce local and referred pain, and release tension in the muscles.
Here’s more information on the therapy; when your muscle is overused, it can enter a state that is known as an energy crisis. An energy crisis can lead to decreased blood and oxygen supply to the muscle fibers, a situation which leads to increased acidity in the tissue, sensitizing the nerves and causing pain.
During a dry needling session, the therapist inserts a needle directly into the trigger point. Sometimes, this may cause a quick spasm of the muscle known as a local twitch response. This response can indicate that the muscle is reacting and can lead to improvements in pain and mobility for some individuals.
It’s important to note that dry needling just as the name suggests, uses solid needles without any medication. The approach is different from trigger point injections which do contain medicine and are performed by physicians.
Many people who visit our clinic for dry needling in Singapore also frequently ask; is dry needling painful or how bad does dry needling hurt?
As you now understand, dry needling involves inserting thin needles into trigger points to alleviate pain and improve muscle function. So, there is the possibility of discomfort during the procedure. In fact, discomfort is common during dry needling.
It is only that the level of discomfort isn’t the same and significantly ranges from a minor prick to significant pain. The latter is particularly true when the needle reaches trigger points, and potentially elicits a twitch response.
Post-treatment, you may still experience tightness or soreness near the insertion site. Really, this is expected but movement and stretching can mitigate these sensations.
Keep in mind that pain perception varies among individuals as it is influenced by factors like pain tolerance and the severity of the condition being treated. Despite potential discomfort, many people who visit us for dry needling in Singapore find it very beneficial for addressing musculoskeletal issues.
How do I Prepare for Dry Needling?
As is the case with any other treatment, properly preparing for your dry needling treatment can significantly impact your experience and the effectiveness of the treatment. To prepare efficiently for dry needling in Singapore, here are five key tips you will want to observe;
- Consult Your Physician: Before your appointment, review your medications with your doctor. Some medications, like aspirin or anticoagulants, can increase the risk of bruising during dry needling. Your physician may recommend adjusting your medication schedule or taking a mild pain reliever before the treatment.
- Dress Comfortably: Choose loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the areas to be treated. For example, if your leg muscles will be targeted, you may want to wear shorts. Comfortable clothing ensures you can relax during the session. And most importantly, it also allows your provider to easily insert and manipulate the needles as needed for the best treatment outcomes.
- Manage Expectations: It is also important to acknowledge that the effects of dry needling can vary. While some people experience immediate relief, others may need multiple sessions to notice significant improvements. So, stay patient and maintain open communication with your provider to adjust the treatment plan as needed.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water before and after your appointment can help improve the effectiveness of dry needling. Hydration supports muscle function and can reduce post-treatment soreness.
- Ask Questions: Before, during, and after your treatment, don’t hesitate to ask your practitioner any questions you have about the procedure, expected outcomes, or aftercare. If you understand the process, it will be easier to deal with any anxiety and ensure you get the most out of your sessions.
How do you know if Dry Needling is working?
First things first, dry needling is a therapeutic technique used to manage pain and improve musculoskeletal function. It’s effective for various conditions such as neck pain, back pain, and shoulder impingement, etc.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re an athlete aiming to resume sports or someone recovering from an accident. Dry needling can be hugely beneficial.
During your initial session, a therapist will assess if this technique suits your symptoms and only proceed with the therapy when they’re certain that it is what you need.
Following the completion of your dry needling session, you may experience soreness. But you’ll likely see improvements in your symptoms within 24-48 hours. The intensity of improvement should increase with each session.
As you get used to the treatment, the post-treatment soreness should generally reduce. And results should become more apparent immediately after the session.
The Bottom Line
Dry needling works. To get the most out of the treatment though, be sure to choose an experienced therapist. Also, have realistic expectations about the treatment.
For further information or to schedule an appointment with a skilled therapist for dry needling in Singapore, call or visit the PhysioActive clinic today. Details below;
PhysioActive (Orchard)
Orchard Branch at Camden Medical Centre #11-05
Singapore 248649
+656235 2647
PhsysioActive (CBD)
CBD Branch at 160 Robinson Road, #05-03
SBF Center Singapore 068914
+656438 0162
PhysioActive (Jurong)
Jurong Branch at 2 Venture Drive Vision Exchange #02-13/14
Singapore 608526
+656258 5602
PhysioActive (Novena Specialist Center)
Novena Branch at 8 Sinaran Drive Novena Specialist Center #07-12
Singapore 307470
6734 4707