Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used by chiropractors, physical therapists and
other healthcare professionals to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, including
athletic injuries. It involves the insertion of thin, solid filiform needles into trigger points
or tight bands within muscles, tendons, or connective tissues. Here's an overview of the
benefits and evidence surrounding dry needling for athletic injuries:
Benefits of Dry Needling for Athletes
1. Pain Relief: Dry needling can help alleviate pain associated with muscle strains,
tendinitis, and other sports-related injuries by targeting trigger points and
reducing muscle tension.
2. Improved Range of Motion: By releasing tight muscle fibers and fascia, dry
needling can increase flexibility and improve range of motion, which is crucial for
athletes' performance and injury prevention.
3. Faster Recovery: Several studies suggest that dry needling can accelerate the
recovery process after an injury by reducing inflammation, promoting blood flow,
and facilitating the healing process.
4. Injury Prevention: Dry needling can be used as a preventative measure to address
muscle imbalances, tightness, and trigger points, which can contribute to the
development of injuries.
5. Performance Enhancement: Some research indicates that dry needling may
improve muscle strength, power, and endurance, potentially enhancing athletic
performance.
Evidence and Research to Support Dry Needling
While the evidence surrounding dry needling for athletic injuries is still emerging, several
studies have demonstrated its potential benefits:
1. A randomized controlled trial found that dry needling combined with physical
therapy was more effective than physical therapy alone in reducing pain and
improving shoulder function in athletes with rotator cuff disease.
2. A case report showed that dry needling improved range of motion, decreased
pain, and increased grip strength in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete with proximal
interphalangeal inflammation.
3. A study on college students found that dry needling improved vertical jump
height immediately after the intervention.
4. Research on elite handball athletes revealed that dry needling in the teres major
muscle led to improvements in shoulder range of motion and pain reduction.
5. A systematic review concluded that dry needling could be an effective adjunct
treatment for various musculoskeletal conditions, including tendinopathies and
muscle strains.
It's important to note that while the available evidence is promising, more high-quality
research is needed to fully understand the efficacy and optimal protocols for dry
needling in the athletic population.
How Dry Needling Works
The proposed mechanisms of action for dry needling include:
1. Local Twitch Response: Dry needling can elicit an involuntary spinal reflex,
resulting in a localized contraction of the affected muscles, altering muscle fiber
length and tension, and stimulating mechanoreceptors.
2. Increased Blood Flow: Dry needling causes vasodilation in small blood vessels,
leading to increased muscle blood flow and oxygenation.
3. Neurophysiological Effects: Dry needling can promote homeostasis at the trigger
point site, decreasing central and peripheral sensitization to pain.
4. Remote Effects: Dry needling of distal trigger points can have an analgesic effect
on proximal trigger points.
Difference Between Dry Needling and Acupuncture
While both techniques involve the insertion of thin needles, there are significant
differences:
● Acupuncture is a component of traditional Chinese medicine, aiming to balance
the flow of energy (chi or qi) through meridians in the body.
● Dry needling is based on Western neuroanatomy and scientific understanding,
targeting dysfunctional muscle trigger points to reduce pain and restore function.
● Acupuncture typically involves multiple needles during treatment, while dry
needling uses fewer needles.
● Dry needling is often combined with electrical stimulation to enhance the effects.
Who Benefits from Dry Needling?
Dry needling can be beneficial for individuals suffering from various musculoskeletal
conditions, including:
1. Athletic injuries (muscle strains, tendinitis, etc.)
2. Chronic pain conditions (low back pain, neck pain, headaches)
4. Fibromyalgia
5. Tendinopathies
6. And more!
Athletes and individuals engaged in regular physical activity may benefit from dry
needling as it can help alleviate pain, improve range of motion, and accelerate recovery
from injuries.
Dry Needling at Elevation Spine and Sports Medicine
At Elevation, we incorporate dry needling into your personalized treatment plan,
harnessing its incredible benefits to help you overcome your pain and get you back to
doing your favorite activities without limitation.
For a comprehensive treatment experience, we can combine dry needling with
adjustments, soft tissue therapies and therapeutic or rehabilitation exercises to enhance the recovery process.
Don’t let pain hold you back any longer. Book your appointment now and take the first
step towards a pain-free life and enhanced athletic performance
References
Gregory TJ, Rauchwarter SA, Feldman MD. Clinical Commentary: Rehabilitation Using Acute Dry
Needling for Injured Athletes Returning to Sport and Improving Performance. Arthrosc Sports
Med Rehabil. 2022 Jan 28;4(1):e209-e213. doi: 10.1016/j.asmr.2021.09.035. PMID: 35141553;
PMCID: PMC8811490.
Dunning J, Butts R, Mourad F, Young I, Flannagan S, Perreault T. Dry needling: a literature review
with implications for clinical practice guidelines. Phys Ther Rev. 2014 Aug;19(4):252-265. doi:
10.1179/108331913X13844245102034. PMID: 25143704; PMCID: PMC4117383.
Chys M, De Meulemeester K, De Greef I, Murillo C, Kindt W, Kouzouz Y, Lescroart B, Cagnie B.
Clinical Effectiveness of Dry Needling in Patients with Musculoskeletal Pain-An Umbrella
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