4 Different Types of Dry Needling and Choosing the Right One

Dry needling is a modern technique that practitioners use to treat physical pain and movement impairments. It involves the pushing of needles into trigger points to release and inactivate them. As a result, this relieves pain and improves a patient’s range of motion.

If you are interested in undergoing this treatment for your pain, you should first know that there are different types of dry needling to choose from. In the sections below, you will learn more about these four types and understand how you can find the best method for you.

1. Trigger Point Dry Needling

This type of dry needling is used to treat pain when it is caused by active trigger points. These are sensitive areas in your muscle that form after injuries or abuse. They produce pain locally and often accompany chronic musculoskeletal disorders.

The needle used in this method depends on the muscle that will be treated, as well as your physical build and other anatomical risk factors. 

If you are seeking dry needling for neck pain and headaches, this may be an effective method for you. The pain you are experiencing may be caused by a trigger point in the upper trapezius. Trigger point dry needling can target this area effectively and relieve you of these pain symptoms.

2. Superficial Dry Needling

Unlike trigger point dry needling, the needle is inserted only a few millimeters into the skin in this method. Superficial dry needling targets the sensorimotor system and aims to change the sensory input to alter the motor output as well.

Short needles are usually used in this technique, ranging from .3mm to 10mm in length. These are used when working with delicate areas like the thoracic spine, where inserting a needle too deeply may cause other injuries.

3. Deep Dry Needling

This technique is a higher-skilled method that targets the muscle directly. It is used in cases wherein the muscle that needs to be treated is in a location that is hard to manipulate manually. Specialists use deep dry needling to reach the target muscle and create a change in pain perception in it.

If you are experiencing pain in the hip area, it may be caused by an incredibly tight piriformis muscle. Deep dry needling is the most effective technique to get past the glute muscles and reach the piriformis muscle to decrease its tightness.

4. Periosteal Pecking

This technique involves the use of a dry needle to “peck” at the bone to trigger neuroendocrine responses. This can be particularly effective in treating painful osteoarthritis symptoms.

Since the aim is to reach the bone, needles used in this method are often long enough to get close to it. However, it will still vary depending on the patient’s build and the area being treated.

If you are experiencing pain due to your knee osteoarthritis, periosteal pecking may be the better needle treatment to seek. When used in and around the knee joint, it can help stimulate chemical reactions to trigger the healing process.

Consult with a Dry Needling Expert

Before seeking treatment, you must first understand that not all pains are the same. There are various types of dry needling methods, and each of them employs unique techniques to effectively target problem areas. If you are interested in dry needling for TMJ, trigger point dry needling is the most appropriate method out of the four. If you are experiencing hip problems, on the other hand, what you need is the deep dry needling method.

At the end of the day, the best way for you to determine the right treatment for you is to consult with dry needling specialists. They can properly identify the source of your pain as well as the right method to relieve your symptoms and get you back to enjoying your life.

Dry Needling Specialist in Jacksonville, FL

If you are looking for effective needle treatment in Jacksonville, FL, you’ve come to the right place! Dr. Chanatry provides specialized dry needling services for different kinds of pain. Get in touch today to learn more about our services.