Dry Needling

Dry Needling

Dry Needling is a specialisation within chiropractic care. With dry needling, muscle tightness (“myofascial trigger points”) is treated by briefly inserting a thin, sterile needle into the muscle, allowing it to relax for a prolonged period. Dry needling is not the same as acupuncture.

Dry needling uses a “dry” acupuncture needle, meaning that no fluid is injected into the muscle. In classical acupuncture, multiple needles are often inserted superficially into the body for a longer period of time. Dry needling uses a single needle that is specifically aimed at so-called “trigger points,” which are briefly stimulated.

What is a “trigger point”?
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A trigger point is a tight, contracted spot in a muscle that, in addition to causing local tenderness, also produces pain “at a distance” (referred pain).

Muscle tightness may present as:‍
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✔ pain and stiffness locally in the muscle, as well as pain “at a distance”
✔ restricted movement and/or stiffness in the associated joints
✔ reduced muscle strength in the affected muscles
✔ pain symptoms and pain-avoidance behaviour: you start to move differently
✔ responses such as sweating, dizziness, light-headedness, blurred vision, shivering, or cold hands

How do trigger points develop?

✔ acutely: due to an incorrect movement or an accident
✔ chronically: due to prolonged poor posture or overuse
✔ long-term overuse of, for example, the arm, neck, and/or shoulder
✔ overuse and/or injuries in athletes
✔ muscle spasm of muscle tissue, such as in cases of a meniscus injury or a herniated disc
✔ after immobilisation, for example due to a plaster cast
✔ psychological factors such as stress and depression
✔ foot abnormalities or differences in leg length
✔ chronic infections and allergies
✔ wearing tight clothing or a belt, or carrying a backpack

‍The treatment

The treatment is aimed at deactivating these trigger points. Through targeted needling with a fine needle, these points are located and deactivated. The muscles then relax quickly and for a prolonged period. The chiropractor will often treat multiple muscles in your arms or legs. The muscles along the spine are also examined and treated.

What does it feel like?

You will hardly feel the insertion of the needle into the skin. When the correct trigger point is needled, the muscle may briefly contract, which can cause a short cramp-like sensation. The muscle then relaxes again, allowing you to move more easily. The treated area may feel somewhat tired or stiff afterwards, but this is usually short-lived.

What happens afterwards?

You will be given exercises and specific advice to help maintain the improvement.

Referral, costs and reimbursement

This method is part of a standard chiropractic treatment and is (partially) reimbursed through supplementary health insurance.

Contact Vividus Chiropractic Practice for Dry Needling

If, after reading this information, you still have any questions or comments, or if you would like to make an appointment, please contact us. You can do so, for example, by calling 077-320 1919 or by using the contact form. We will get in touch with you as soon as possible.