Dry Needling with Electrical Stimulation
Many people find our clinic when they are searching for dry needling to help their pain. Dry needling is an effective technique that uses thin needles inserted into trigger points or muscle “knots” to help reduce pain and help the muscle feel looser. We have an entire blog post that goes over some of the most frequently asked questions on dry needling.
Fear of needles or pain can make people hesitant to try dry needling. Others have found dry needling by other providers painful. For many of our clients, combining electrical stimulation with dry needling can make the treatment less painful and more effective.
Dry needling with electrical stimulation differs from dry needling alone in several ways:
Mechanism of Action: In dry needling alone, thin needles are inserted and moved around in muscle to relieve tension and pain via a twitch response. For some people, the manipulation or “pistoning” of the needle can be the most uncomfortable part of the treatment. When electrical stimulation is added, the needles are initially placed into a trigger point. The needle stays in the trigger point or “knot” and a gentle electric current is passed through the needles. This causes a small muscle contraction and can enhance the therapeutic effects of dry needling.
Benefits: The addition of electrical stimulation can increase the benefits of dry needling. It can lead to greater pain relief, improved muscle function, reduced muscle tightness, increased flexibility, and enhanced blood flow, which aids in the healing process. The electrical current can also help release endorphins and other chemicals that further reduce pain.
Applications: Dry needling with electrical stimulation is particularly beneficial for chronic pain conditions and for addressing dysfunctional muscles that may be caught in a pain-spasm cycle. It can be more effective in treating a wider range of conditions compared to dry needling alone.
Overall, the combination of electrical stimulation with dry needling can reduce discomfort associated with dry needling and enhance the treatment outcomes, which makes it a valuable option for many of our clients.
More questions? We are here to help. Contact us or schedule a complimentary phone consultation. We will answer your questions and help you decide if dry needling with electrical stimulation may be a good option for you.
