What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a technique used by physiotherapists for pain-relief. Ultra-thin needles are inserted into
tissues, specifically trigger points with the goal of relieving the pain and/or inflammation in the area,
whether localized or generalized. Dry needling can be used alone or with other modalities of treatment to
help break the pain cycle.
Dry needling is commonly used in the musculoskeletal tissues of the:

 Head (headaches)  Back (low back pain)

 Neck (neck pain)  Hip and buttock (sciatica)
 Shoulder (shoulder impingement)  Leg (hamstring strains, calf tightness/spasms)
 Arm (tennis or golfer’s elbow)  Knee (knee pain, shin splints)
 Wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome)  Heel (plantar fasciitis)

How Dry Needling Works

This form of therapy will only be performed by trained and certified physiotherapists. A trigger point is a
knot or tight band of muscles developed by injury, musculoskeletal dysfunction, or overuse. The
myofascial trigger point is surrounded by chemicals known to cause inflammation, which leads to
problems such as:

 A problem in the function of the muscles

 Lack in range of motion
 Pain or local tenderness
A thin needle is inserted through the skin and into the myofascial trigger point which should dissipate the
electrical and chemical activity without having to add or remove and chemical substance. The success of
dry needling should increase the blood flow to that area. The results of dry needling are a decrease in pain
and tension, and improvements of range of motion.

What is the Difference Between Dry Needling and Acupuncture?

Acupuncture has the purpose of alternating the flow of energy (“Qi”) along traditional Chinese meridians
for the treatment of diseases. Dry needling focuses on the treatment of pain and dysfunction in
musculoskeletal conditions.

Is Dry Needling Safe?

Dry needling is safe, however when the needles are placed close to vital organs and blood vessels, there is
a small possibility that major side effects such as pneumothorax, excessive bleeding, or loss of
consciousness can occur.
Pneumothorax is the collapsing of the lungs due to air inside of the chest wall. If you are experiencing
any of the signs or symptoms of pneumothorax, immediately contact your physical therapist of physician.
The signs and symptoms of pneumothorax may include:

 Shortness of breath  Dry cough

 Increased breathing rate  Bluish skin discoloration
 Chest pain  Excessive sweating
531 Davis Drive, Suit 101, Newmarket, ON L3Y 6P5
T 905-853-2511 | F 905-954-1819
www.spectrumphysiotherapy.com | [email protected]
What are the Common Side Effects of Dry Needling?
Published recently (February 2020) in a journal, the most common side effects that may be experienced
with dry needling are:

 16.04% chance of minor bleeding

 7.71% chance of bruising
 5.93% and 2.72% chance of pain during or after the treatment, respectively
 1.52% chance of experiencing aggravated symptoms, with a very minor chance of the symptoms
lasting for days or weeks
 0.93% and 0.78% chance of feeling drowsy or faint, respectively; there is a 0.02% chance of
fainting
 0.65% chance of having a headache
 0.46% chance of feeling nausea

Are the Needles Sterile?

The needles used are sterile disposable needles. If the needles were in a package that had a tear or appear
as if it has been opened, it is immediately thrown out and not used.

531 Davis Drive, Suit 101, Newmarket, ON L3Y 6P5

T 905-853-2511 | F 905-954-1819
www.spectrumphysiotherapy.com | [email protected]
What is Electro-Acupuncture?
Electro-acupuncture – also known as electrical stimulation – is the technique of generating continuous
electricity to acupuncture needles inserted in the injured tissues. The electrical stimulation can reduce the
swelling of tissues and increase blood circulation. In the muscles, the stimulation causes contraction,
promoting blood flow, helping to repair the area; the repetitive cycle of contraction and relaxation also
allows the muscle to strengthen. Electro-acupuncture is usually used in addition to other modalities of
treatment.
At Spectrum Physiotherapy, electro-acupuncture is used for are:

 Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)  Nerve inflammation

 Arthritis  Neurological disorders
 Back pain  Paralysis
 Chronic pain syndromes  Plantar fasciitis
 Fibromyalgia  Poor circulation
 Joint pain and sprains  Poor muscle strength
 Muscle injury – sprains and tears  Renal colic
 Muscle spasms  Spinal cord injury
 Surgery recovery

How Electro-acupuncture Works

This form of therapy will only be performed by trained physiotherapists. The acupuncture needles are
inserted into the injured tissues and used as electrodes. Clips from an electrical-stimulation device are
attached to the needles; the device is used to generate the electrical pulses to the pairs of needles, with
pinpoint precision. The electrical intensities and frequencies are adjusted to the patient’s comfort. During
the treatment it is common to experience tingling or mild involuntary muscle contractions caused by the
stimulations.

Is Electro-Acupuncture Safe? What are the Side Effects?

Electro-acupuncture is safe in the right hands. As with standard acupuncture, the most common minor
side effects that may be experienced with electro-acupuncture are:

 mild nausea
 dizziness, feeling faint, or fainting
 pain or light bleeding when the needle is inserted
 redness, bruising, or skin irritation at the needle site
The major side effect of acupuncture is pneumothorax. Pneumothorax is the collapsing of the lungs due to
air inside of the chest wall. If you are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms of pneumothorax,
immediately contact your physical therapist of physician. The signs and symptoms of pneumothorax may
include:

 shortness of breath  dry cough

 increased breathing rate  bluish skin discoloration
 chest pain  excessive sweating
It is not recommended for patients with a pacemaker, heart disease, or a history of seizures, stroke. or
epilepsy. At Spectrum Physiotherapy, the team will consult with the patient and assess their health
history and current condition to determine if Electro-Stimulation is recommended.
531 Davis Drive, Suit 101, Newmarket, ON L3Y 6P5
T 905-853-2511 | F 905-954-1819
www.spectrumphysiotherapy.com | [email protected]
Are the Needles Sterile?
The needles used are sterile disposable needles. If the needles were in a package that had a tear or appear
as if it has been opened, it is immediately thrown out and not used.

531 Davis Drive, Suit 101, Newmarket, ON L3Y 6P5

T 905-853-2511 | F 905-954-1819
www.spectrumphysiotherapy.com | [email protected]
Resources used:
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G., Silva, A. P., Ferreira de Meneses, S. R., Costa-Frutuoso, J. R., Santos Miotto Amorim, C., & Pasqual
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Deer, T. R., Leong, M. S., Buvanendran, A., Gordin, V., Kim, P. S., Panchal, S. J., & Ray, A. L.
(2013). Comprehensive Treatment of Chronic Pain by Medical, Interventional, and Integrative
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Rodríguez-Mansilla, J., González-Sánchez, B., De Toro García, Á., Valera-Donoso, E., Garrido-Ardila,
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What is Electro-Acupuncture and is it the right treatment modality for you? (n.d.). Retrieved from
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531 Davis Drive, Suit 101, Newmarket, ON L3Y 6P5

T 905-853-2511 | F 905-954-1819
www.spectrumphysiotherapy.com | [email protected]