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The National Sports Participation Survey shows a significant rise in sports participation in Singapore from 2001 to 2020, with 35% more females and 25% more males engaging in sports. Exercising weekly increased from 54% in 2015 to 73% in 2023.
While this promotes health, it also raises the risk of sports injuries, especially among weightlifters, affecting areas like shoulders, knees, wrists, and back. Dry needling therapy can effectively treat musculoskeletal pain by targeting trigger points to alleviate discomfort, improve blood flow, and enhance recovery.
Although it can provide pain relief, it is not suitable for everyone, particularly those with needle phobias, high blood pressure, or infections, and its effectiveness varies among individuals.
According to the National Sports Participation Survey by Sports Singapore, from 2001 to 2020, there was a whopping 35% increase in females and a 25% increase in males actively participating in sports-related activities, with the percentage of Singaporeans exercising weekly rose from 54% in 2015 to 73% in 2023 [1].
While the rise in sports activities offers many health benefits, it also leads to a significant increase in sports-related injuries.
For those who carry weights, a study [2] noted that the body parts most injured and types of injuries sustained during weightlifting include:
- shoulder (7.4%)
- knee (4.6%)
- wrist (3.6%)
- inflammation and pain with bending (5.9%)
- torsion (3.6%)
- ligament tear/muscle tear (3.8%)
- stripped-off injuries (2.3%)
A study by Chee et. al found a significant increase in back injuries, particularly among individuals who engaged in gym workouts and swimming [3].
Treating Sports Injuries with Dry Needling Therapy
Dry needling is used to treat musculoskeletal pain and repetitive stress injuries.
It can benefit those experiencing or suffering from soreness, tightness and stiffness of the body.
The muscles go through wear and tear.
The areas where soreness and tightness are felt are known as trigger points.
The discomfort can be effectively addressed with dry needling.
It has been clinically proven to improve athletes' health, enhance sports performance [4], and facilitate the healing process by:
- reducing pain
- increasing blood flow
- boosting joint mobility
- promoting the body's natural recovery
How is dry needling done?
The therapist will use dry needling to alleviate the pain and discomfort experienced by a patient.
This is done by inserting a fine needle into areas where there is tightness and stiffness, such as the trigger points, which block pain messages to the brain.
Done correctly, it is a highly effective method of treating muscular pain.
What to expect during dry needling?
During treatment, a twitch or spasm in the muscle fibre is to be expected.
Patients also often feel a sense of relaxation during treatment.
This is due to the body’s natural response and neurocircuitry activity.
It is also common for an individual to feel tired or heaviness in the limb after treatment, as this indicates that the body is in the process of reaping the benefits of the treatment.
Do remember to rest and take in fluids to help facilitate the process.
What are Dry Needling Trigger Points?
Trigger points, as the name suggests, are points where the pain actually stems from.
These areas are also known as “knots” in the body.
A trigger point may be far removed from the spot where the pain is felt. If left untreated, they can influence the way the body’s muscles function, which can cause even more severe pain in the future.
The body is amazing at making up for shortcomings to compensate for loss, but while this is welcomed for a short period - an extensive period may be detrimental.
Addressing the issue is therefore highly recommended.
A trained and experienced myotherapist is able to locate these trigger points and alleviate the pain.
How Can We Treat These Trigger Points?
There are different ways to treat trigger points.
These range from deep tissue massage and stretching to dry needling.
Dry needling is one of the most effective pain management treatments.
Many people have experienced relief and benefited from the treatment.
The needles used are very fine and discomfort or pain, if any, is very minimal.
Nonetheless, should the pain be a little overbearing, it is recommended to alert the therapist.
The session can be done with multiple needles as required in accordance with the number of trigger points in one session.
The number of sessions needed will be discussed and informed by the therapist.
Unsuitable candidates of dry needling
Dry needling is not suitable for everyone. Those not suited are:
- People with needle phobia
- Those suffering from high blood pressure
- Pregnant women in general
- Individuals suffering from infection, colds and flu
- Those with open wounds
Benefits of dry needling therapy
Dry needling can benefit those experiencing body soreness, tightness, or stiffness.
The muscles undergo wear and tear.
The areas where soreness and tightness are felt are known as trigger points.
Dry needling effectively addresses the discomfort.
During treatment, a twitch or spasm in the muscle fibre is expected.
Patients also often feel a sense of relaxation.
This is due to the body's natural response and neurocircuitry activity.
It is common for an individual to feel tired or heaviness in the limb after treatment, as this indicates that the body is reaping the benefits of the treatment.
It is an effective method for treating muscular pain when performed correctly.
Dry needling is not suitable for everyone; for example:
- People with needle phobia
- Those suffering from high blood pressure
- Pregnant women in general
- Individuals suffering from infection, colds and flu
- Those with open wounds
What are dry needling trigger points?
As the name suggests, trigger points are points from which the pain actually stems.
These areas are also known as "knots" in the body.
A trigger point may be far removed from the spot where the pain is felt.
How can we treat trigger points with dry needling?
If left untreated, trigger points can influence the way the body's muscles function, which can cause even more severe pain in the future.
Dry needling of trigger points loosens stiff, tight muscles. It is an effective method of alleviating discomfort and pain, enabling the muscles to relax. Many people have experienced relief and benefited from dry needling.
The needles used are very fine, and discomfort or pain, if any, is very minimal. Nonetheless, should the pain be a little overbearing, it is recommended to alert the therapist.
The session can be done with multiple needles as required by the number of trigger points in one session. The number of sessions needed will be discussed and informed by the therapist.
What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?
Acupuncture is synonymous with Traditional Chinese Medicine and involves the insertion of fine needles into acupuncture points along meridian lines.
This is thought to help restore energy balance and flow in the body, thereby promoting the body's natural healing process. Dry needling is not the same as acupuncture.
The primary philosophy behind acupuncture is the release of chi, or healing energy, to activate healing.
Dry needling involves applying strong stimulation to the muscles to release tension.
FAQ on dry needling
Does dry needling hurt?
Some people experience a dull ache. After treatment, you may experience slight twitching or minor muscle aches and soreness.
How deep do dry needles go?
A needle is inserted about THREE to FOUR mm above the trigger point. This triggers several processes in the body to facilitate treatment of the affected area.
How often should I do dry needling?
This is dependent on a patient's condition and severity. The therapist will be in a position to give better advice and make a recommendation based on the patient's needs.
What does it feel like when a trigger point is released?
During treatment, a patient may feel a sense of relaxation. It is also common for an individual to feel tired or heaviness in the limb after treatment.
Do dry needling loosen muscles?
Dry needling done on trigger points loosens stiff and tight muscles. It is an effective method of alleviating discomfort and pain, and it enables the muscles to relax.
Does dry needling get rid of knots?
Aside from pain relief, dry needling is also effective in addressing “knots” and tightness.
Does dry needling release toxins?
It is a method of releasing toxins from the body, primarily by causing inflammation at trigger points.
Reducing inflammation and improving blood flow helps alleviate discomfort and pain in the affected areas.
What are the Common Types of Sports-related Injuries?
- Ankle sprains
- Groin injuries
- Hamstring strains
- Knee injuries
- Tennis elbow
- Back injuries
- Dislocations
- Ligament tears
This article has been written under the guidance and advisory of Dr. Ivan Puah, who has a Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine and is trained in Trigger Point Dry Needling, and serves as the medical director of Amaris B. Clinic. The information provided herein is intended solely for educational purposes, to share the benefits of holistic therapies for tight muscles and sports injuries. It is important to note that dry needling treatments should only be administered by trained and certified professionals.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to serve as medical advice or consultation. The content is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Individuals should seek the advice of their physician or other qualified health providers with any questions they may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in the article.
