If you have been suffering from muscle aches, pains, and stiffness over the past few days, you might want to look at dry needling therapy. Dry needling involves inserting fine needles into the skin over specific body points where acupuncture points exist. You can do this by yourself or seek the help of a professional. Some people even prefer doing this procedure themselves rather than seeing a professional. While this method may not be suitable for everyone, it is still worth mentioning since the dry needling shoulder is quite effective in relieving muscle aches and pains.
Dry Needling Therapy for Muscles Pain
Dry needle therapy is the use of acupuncture points to relieve muscle pain. Acupuncture points are located over bones and joints and are considered a gateway to the body’s immune system. When needles are placed at these points, they trigger nerves and blood vessels to release chemicals called endorphins, which have analgesic effects. These points are typically the same ones used for wet needle therapy but are placed dry. You may receive a series of treatments once a week or as often as you would like.
What Is Dry Needling?
Acupuncture points are typically located over bones and joints. They are considered a gateway to our immune system. When needles placed at these points trigger nerves and blood vessels, they release chemicals called endorphin. Endorphins have analgesic (pain relieving) effects. Dry needle therapy involves placing the needles dry rather than wet; hence the name. In other words, needles are not inserted into the skin but only pressed lightly into the subcutaneous layer of fat.
How Does It Work?
The theory behind dry needle therapy claims that the pressure of the needles stimulates nerve endings that send a message to the brain. Once the brain receives the signal, the body produces endorphins. Endorphins block the pain signals sent to the brain. Dry needle therapy works best if done repeatedly, even daily. If you want to try dry needle therapy, consider doing it before bedtime since the body’s production of endorphins increases after sleep.
Benefits of Dry Needle Therapy
There is evidence that dry needle therapy can help reduce back pain, neck pain, muscular soreness, and joint stiffness. There have been no reported side effects associated with dry needle therapy.
Considerations
Some people find it difficult to relax while having their bodies pierced. Consider wearing loose-fitting clothing and using a topical numbing cream on the area before treatment. Do not use any oils or lotions on the treated area since they could interfere with the healing process.
