Dry needling has emerged as a valuable treatment option for gymnasts dealing with various injuries. This technique, which involves inserting thin needles into specific trigger points in muscles, can provide significant benefits for athletes in this demanding sport. Dry needling can also help to speed up recovery of tendon-related pain such as tendinopathies like tendonitis and tenosynovitis by creating micro-trauma resulting in improved blood circulation and nutrients to those areas that may typically not have the best blood supply. Examples are in the shoulder, the knee, or even the Achilles tendon.
Pain Relief and Muscle Tension Reduction
One of the primary benefits of dry needling for gymnasts is its ability to alleviate pain and reduce muscle tension. The insertion of needles into trigger points can help release tight muscle bands, providing immediate relief from discomfort. This is particularly beneficial for gymnasts who often experience muscle strains and overuse injuries due to repetitive movements and high-impact landings.
Relief for Spondy Pain
Dry needling can also quickly reduce or resolve muscle spasms in the back. Muscle spasms usually occur to protect a region of the body from an injury. One of the main reasons for gymnasts to experience muscle spasms in the low back are due to "spondy's" (both spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis), which are lumbar spine fractures. The deep and superficial muscle tissues will go into spasm to protect the area and generates a lot of pain and reduces movement. Dry needling is able to reach the deeper muscle tissues that manual therapy techniques typically cannot reach.
Improved Range of Motion and Flexibility
Gymnastics requires exceptional flexibility and a wide range of motion. Dry needling can help improve these aspects by releasing tension in muscles and fascia. By targeting specific muscle groups, such as the lats for better overhead positions or the hamstrings for increased flexibility, dry needling can enhance a gymnast's ability to perform complex movements with greater ease.
Faster Recovery and Injury Prevention
The demands of gymnastics training can lead to various injuries. Dry needling has shown promise in promoting faster recovery by stimulating blood flow to injured areas, which aids in the delivery of nutrients and removal of metabolic waste products. This accelerated healing process can help gymnasts return to training more quickly after an injury.
Moreover, by addressing muscle imbalances and trigger points, dry needling may help prevent future injuries. It can activate muscle fibers that may be underperforming, leading to better muscle recruitment and coordination. This improved muscle function can contribute to more stable and controlled movements, reducing the risk of injuries during complex gymnastics routines.
Gymnasts typically do not have an off-season since they have a competition season and then their summers are typically spent on perfecting and skills and working on skill upgrades. As a result, gymnasts tend to develop chronic injuries and compensation patterns that do not properly get addressed to keep them going and can result in serious injuries. Dry needling with other proper treatment modalities and rehabilitation exercises to correct compensation patterns, areas lacking mobility and improving strength can make a big difference in the performance of gymnasts. It can also speed up the healing of injuries and reduce the risk of injuries moving forward.
Evidence-Based Approach
Research supports the effectiveness of dry needling for various musculoskeletal conditions commonly seen in gymnastics. A study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that dry needling was effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with shoulder pain, a common issue among gymnasts.
Another study in the Journal of Sport Rehabilitation demonstrated that dry needling combined with stretching was more effective than stretching alone in improving hamstring flexibility, which is crucial for many gymnastics movements.
Conclusion
Dry needling offers a promising approach to managing and preventing injuries in gymnastics. Its ability to provide pain relief, improve range of motion, expedite recovery, and enhance muscle function makes it a valuable tool in a gymnast's injury management arsenal. As with any medical treatment, it's essential for gymnasts to consult with qualified healthcare professionals to determine if dry needling is appropriate for their specific conditions and to ensure it's integrated effectively into their overall training and recovery program.
Citations:Â
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.
Mason JS, Crowell M, Dolbeer J, Morris J, Terry A, Koppenhaver S, Goss DL. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DRY NEEDLING AND STRETCHING VS. STRETCHING ALONE ON HAMSTRING FLEXIBILITY IN PATIENTS WITH KNEE PAIN: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2016 Oct;11(5):672-683. PMID: 27757280; PMCID: PMC5046961.
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