Dry Needling Explained

In this video, Dr. Ashbeck explains dry needling and the difference between acupuncture and dry needling. He also gives a case example on how he may treat someone with headaches using this procedure.

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More Information About Dry Needling

Dry needling is a technique used to alleviate pain and muscle tension. There are several conditions that dry needling can help with. This list is incomplete:

1. Muscle pain and spasms: Dry needling can be used to treat muscle pain and spasms caused by overuse, injury, or stress. By stimulating trigger points within the muscle, it can help to release tension and promote healing.

2. Headaches: Headaches can be caused by muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. Dry needling can help to release this tension and alleviate the headache.

3. Back pain: Dry needling can be effective in treating back pain caused by muscle tension or tightness. It can also be used to treat conditions such as herniated discs or sciatica.

4. Tennis elbow: Tennis elbow is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in the forearm muscles. Dry needling can be used to treat the trigger points in these muscles, helping to alleviate pain and promote healing.

So how does dry needling work?

While dry needling is a widely accepted technique, there are different theories about how it works. Here are a few of them:

1. Gate Control Theory: This theory suggests that the sensation of the needle in the muscle triggers the nervous system to release natural painkillers, known as endorphins. The release of endorphins can help to reduce pain and promote relaxation.

2. Trigger Point Theory: According to this theory, dry needling targets trigger points within muscles. These trigger points are tight knots of muscle fibers that can cause pain and tension. By inserting a needle into the trigger point, it can help to release the tension and promote healing.

3. Neuromuscular Theory: This theory proposes that dry needling stimulates the nervous system and promotes changes in the muscles. Specifically, the insertion of the needle can help to activate certain receptors within the muscle that can lead to changes in muscle tone and function.

4. Connective Tissue Activation Theory: This theory suggests that dry needling can activate the connective tissue surrounding muscles, known as fascia. The activation of fascia can help to release tension and promote healing.

Feel free to contact us with any questions about dry needling using the chat function here or book an appointment if you are ready to initiate treatment.