Dr. Romero is a specialist in Physiotherapy and an expert in dry needling treatment, which he discusses in this article. He applies this procedure to treat various pathologies.
Dry needling is an invasive physiotherapy technique that consists of introducing a needle into the body. This needle has no light, it is not hollow, so no substance or fluid is introduced or extracted through this technique, hence the adjective “dry”.
Pathologies that are treated by dry needling
It is used to treat myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). This syndrome is caused by “trigger points” (TP). Trigger points are located in tight bands of muscle, and are caused by a dysfunction of the muscle motor plate. This is what can cause:
– Increased sensitivity of the area when playing on this tense band.
– Motor dysfunction of the muscle (limitation of movement, muscle inhibition, alteration of muscle activity).
– Pain radiating to areas peripheral to the trigger point. For example: trigger point headache in the trapezius muscle.
Therefore, dry needling can treat disorders caused by trigger points, such as tension headache or sciatica due to pyramidal dysfunction, muscle overload, plantar fasciitis (alteration of the motor pattern of the tibialis posterior) and other pathologies resulting from the alteration of motor functions.
Patients who resort to dry needling
Most patients can benefit from this technique, since it presents very few contraindications and most of them are relative. These would be:
– Allergy to the needle material. This is very rare since hypoallergenic materials are used.
– In patients treated with anticoagulants, the contraindication is usually relative, since the puncture is performed far from large blood vessels. Unless advised against by your physician.
– Needle phobia.
Recommendations before and after undergoing dry needling
The specialist in Physiotherapy should disinfect the area before inserting the needle. And once the puncture is performed, there is usually a slight residual pain in the treated area due to the puncture, but in a few hours it disappears.
In some cases it is possible that a small hematoma may occur when a blood capillary is damaged. Since the caliber of the needle is very small, although the size of the hematoma will not be serious and will be reabsorbed by itself.
Results of dry needling
Immediately after the puncture there is a relaxation of the musculature, as well as a decrease in muscle contracture. The pain produced by this also decreases, along with the symptoms it may be producing, such as radiating pain.
It improves muscle function, allowing free movement and correct control over motor functions.