Wellness Tip: Dry Needling
Curious about Dry Needling?
Keep reading to learn more about it!
I'm excited to kick off a new Wellness Tip series, where I'll be sharing some of the things I've incorporated into my training to keep my body happy and healthy!
I first heard about dry needling back in 2017, when I was in the thick of training for the Chicago Marathon. You know, the kind of training where your body decides to throw all kinds of unexpected tantrums. For me, that year, it was my knee. After a grueling 16-mile run, my knee pain had reached a level where I was desperately seeking answers - and relief.
Enter my Physical Therapist, Ryan, who casually mentioned this thing called dry needling. I remember nodding along, trying to act cool, but internally, my brain was shouting, Needles? In my muscles!? It sounded more like a medieval torture method than something that could actually help me. But when you’re an injured runner desperate to stay on track with your training schedule, you’ll consider just about anything.
What Is Dry Needling Anyway?
Okay, let's break it down. Dry needling is a modern therapy that helps with muscle pain and dysfunction. It’s a favorite among physical therapists and can do wonders for improving muscle flexibility, relieving pain, and getting you back to your normal self. Unlike acupuncture - which is based on traditional Chinese medicine and has a more holistic approach - dry needling is rooted in Western medicine and focuses on your musculoskeletal system.
How Does It Work?
Here's the gist: A PT inserts thin, acupuncture-like needles into your trigger points. These are the tight, painful knots that limit your movement and make you wince when pressed. The goal is to hit these trigger points, make them twitch (yes, that’s a thing!), and release all that built-up tension. The theory? This helps boost blood flow, ease muscle pain, and fasttrack your healing.
During my first session, I braced myself for the worst, but it was more surprising than painful. When the needle hit a trigger point, my muscle would spasm - a weird, involuntary reaction that was oddly satisfying. By the end, my muscles felt lighter and more relaxed. (Still slightly skeptical? I was too, but the relief I felt afterwards made me a believer.)
Why Bother? The Benefits of Dry Needling
Turns out, dry needling can be a game-changer, especially for athletes or anyone dealing with persistent muscle issues. Here’s why:
Pain Relief: Many people feel immediate relief from nagging pain and muscle stiffness.
More Range of Motion: Tight muscles can be such a buzzkill, and dry needling helps loosen them up, improving your flexibility and making you feel way less restricted.
Speedy Muscle Recovery: This is a major win for athletes. Faster recovery = back to training sooner.
Injury Prevention: Addressing muscle imbalances and tightness can also help you avoid future injuries. Because no one wants to be sidelined, right?
What’s a Session Like?
Your PT identifies the tight muscles that need attention and then it’s needle time. You might feel a quick pinch or a weird muscle twitch, but the discomfort is usually brief. I’d compare it to a strange, flickering muscle jolt. Some soreness might stick around afterward, but it fades relatively quickly. In my experience, I have been able to go for runs the same day I had dry needling done.
Conclusion
So, is dry needling the miracle cure for everyone? Probably not. But for me, it’s become a useful tool in my marathon training toolbox. Just remember: I'm not a doctor (or even remotely close to one), so always consult with a healthcare professional before giving it a shot. Trust me, your muscles will thank you.
Shoutout to my wonderful Physical Therapist, Maegen over at Union Square Physical Therapy. I wouldn’t have gotten through my NYC Marathon Training without her!
Have you tried Dry Needling? What was your experience like? Let me know in the comments!
