Is heel pain holding you back from the activities you love? Achilles tendonitis can feel like a constant roadblock, affecting your mobility and quality of life. But what if there was a way to ease the pain and get you moving again—without surgery or medication? Enter dry needling, a rising star in the world of non-invasive treatments.
This approach can provide significant relief, promote healing, and help you return to your active lifestyle faster. Let’s explore how dry needling can be a game-changer in managing Achilles tendonitis.
What is Achilles tendonitis?
The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in your body, connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. This crucial tendon plays a vital role in walking, running, and jumping. Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury that occurs when the tendon becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress or a sudden increase in activity.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain and stiffness along the tendon, especially in the morning
- Swelling that worsens with activity
- Decreased strength and range of motion
- Thickening of the tendon
- A crackling sound when the ankle moves
Several factors can contribute to the development of Achilles tendonitis:
- A sudden increase in exercise intensity or duration
- Tight calf muscles
- Improper footwear
- Flat feet or high arches
- Age-related degeneration of the tendon
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique where thin, sterile needles are inserted into trigger points—tight knots of muscle or tissue—to relieve pain and improve mobility. It targets muscular pain, stiffness, and injuries by promoting natural healing processes, increasing blood flow, and reducing inflammation.
Dry needling has gained popularity due to its effectiveness in treating conditions like chronic pain, sports injuries, and tension headaches. Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling focuses on musculoskeletal issues, making it a widely accepted option among athletes, physical therapists, and those seeking non-invasive pain relief for conditions such as Achilles tendonitis.
Dry needling helps to reduce inflammation & pain
One of the primary benefits of dry needling for Achilles tendonitis is its ability to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. When the needle is inserted into trigger points around the Achilles tendon, it stimulates the release of natural anti-inflammatory substances in the body. This can help decrease swelling and provide significant pain relief.
The needle insertion also triggers the release of endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers. These endorphins can help raise your pain threshold, making it easier to cope with the discomfort associated with Achilles tendonitis. Many patients report immediate pain relief following a dry needling session.
Dry needling improves blood flow & promotes healing
Proper blood circulation is crucial for healing damaged tissues. Dry needling can help improve blood flow to the affected area by creating small, localized injuries. These micro-traumas stimulate the body’s healing response, increasing blood flow and oxygen supply to the Achilles tendon.
Enhanced circulation brings more nutrients and healing factors to the damaged tendon, accelerating the repair process. This improved blood flow can also help remove waste products and inflammatory substances from the area, further supporting the healing process.
Dry needling releases muscle tension & improves flexibility
Achilles tendonitis often leads to tightness in the calf muscles and surrounding tissues. This tension can exacerbate the condition and slow down the healing process. Dry needling can help release this tension by targeting trigger points in the calf muscles and around the Achilles tendon.
As the muscle knots and tension release, you may experience improved flexibility and range of motion in your ankle. This increased mobility can help reduce the stress on your Achilles tendon during movement, allowing for better function and faster recovery.
Dry needling may address underlying muscular imbalances
In many cases, Achilles tendonitis is not just about the tendon itself but also involves imbalances in the surrounding muscles. Dry needling allows practitioners to target specific muscles that may be contributing to the problem. By addressing these muscular imbalances, dry needling can help correct movement patterns and reduce the risk of re-injury.
Dry needling stimulates collagen production
Collagen is a crucial component of tendon tissue, providing strength and elasticity. Dry needling has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen in damaged tissues. By promoting collagen synthesis, this technique can help strengthen the Achilles tendon and improve its ability to withstand stress.
What to expect during your session
We are here to support your healing journey with care and attention to your individual needs. Here’s what you can expect during your treatment with us:
- Initial consultation: Your practitioner will take the time to understand your symptoms, medical history, and personal goals for treatment. Together, we’ll discuss the best approach to address your specific condition.
- Personalized explanation: Before beginning, we’ll walk you through the dry needling process, ensuring you’re comfortable and aware of the sensations you might experience, so there are no surprises.
- Gentle needle insertion: We use thin, sterile needles, which will be carefully placed at specific points around your Achilles tendon and calf muscles. You may feel a light prick or mild pressure, but we’ll guide you through each step to ensure your comfort.
- Targeted treatment: Your practitioner may gently adjust the needles to trigger a twitch response in your muscles. This helps release tension and supports your body’s natural healing process.
- Rest and relaxation: For your benefit, the needles will remain in place for 10-30 minutes. During this time, you can relax as we allow your body to respond to the treatment.
- Needle removal: Once the treatment is complete, the needles will be gently and carefully removed, ensuring your comfort.
- Post-treatment care: We’ll provide personalized guidance on activities, exercises, and self-care techniques to help you maintain the benefits of your treatment and continue your progress.
Our team is dedicated to helping you feel better every step of the way. We look forward to working with you on your path to recovery.
How many sessions will you need?
The number of dry needling sessions required for Achilles tendonitis can vary depending on the severity of your condition and how long you’ve been experiencing symptoms. Some patients report significant improvement after just a few sessions, while others may benefit from a series of treatments over several weeks.
Your practitioner will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your individual needs and response to the therapy. Typically, a course of 4-6 sessions is recommended initially, with reassessment after each treatment to monitor progress and adjust the plan as needed.
Book your appointment today
If you’re tired of living with the pain and limitations of Achilles tendonitis, dry needling could be the solution you’ve been searching for. This innovative technique offers a natural, effective way to manage your symptoms and promote long-term healing.
At Lycoming Orthopedic & Sports Acupuncture, our experienced practitioners are dedicated to helping you overcome Achilles tendonitis and return to the activities you love. We combine dry needling with a comprehensive approach to ensure you receive the most effective treatment for your individual needs.
Don’t let Achilles tendonitis hold you back any longer. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how dry needling can help you take the first step towards a pain-free, active life. Your journey to recovery starts here!
