Our knees are integral to our mobility and daily functioning, but they also endure significant strain and stress. Whether you’re an athlete or someone who spends most of the day on your feet, knee pain can make even the simplest tasks challenging.
While traditional treatments like medication and physical therapy can provide relief, many people are turning to dry needling as a way to effectively manage knee pain.
Dry needling is a therapeutic method that involves inserting thin needles into targeted trigger points within the muscles. This technique addresses the muscular source of pain and dysfunction, making it especially effective for individuals with knee osteoarthritis, tendinitis, or other musculoskeletal conditions impacting the knee joint.
Understanding knee pain
Knee pain can arise from a variety of factors, including muscle imbalances, joint degeneration, and overuse injuries. When muscles become strained or overworked, they can develop trigger points – sensitive areas within the muscle that refer pain to other parts of the body. These trigger points can contribute to joint instability, reduced range of motion, and increased pain. Dry needling works by addressing the underlying muscular contributors to knee pain and dysfunction.
Dry needling can provide immediate knee pain relief
One of the key benefits of dry needling is its ability to disrupt the transmission of pain signals from the muscle to the brain. The needle insertion essentially “resets” the nervous system, interrupting the pain-spasm cycle and providing near-instant relief. Many patients report feeling a significant reduction in discomfort right after their dry needling treatment.
A study showed that having 3 sessions of dry needling can improve functional activity and significantly decrease pain.
Dry needling releases muscle tension and spasms
When muscles around the knee become strained or overused, they can develop painful trigger points – tight bands of muscle tissue that refer discomfort to the joint.
By precisely inserting a thin needle directly into these trigger points, dry needling stimulates the muscle to rapidly relax. This release of tension and spasm helps restore normal knee mechanics and mobility, alleviating the overall discomfort.
Dry needling increases blood flow and circulation
The insertion of the needle into the muscle triggers an inflammatory response, which increases blood flow and circulation to the area. This boost in oxygenated blood and nutrients helps accelerate the healing process, reducing swelling and promoting tissue repair.
Improved circulation also helps flush out byproducts that can contribute to pain and stiffness.
Dry needling reduces knee inflammation
By addressing the underlying inflammation, dry needling can provide longer-lasting relief compared to temporary measures like ice or medication. The mechanical stimulation of the needle elicits the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response. This helps reduce swelling, heat, and irritation around the knee joint, which in turn alleviates pain and sensitivity.
For patients suffering from chronic or persistent knee pain, these benefits of dry needling can be truly life-changing. By targeting the root muscular causes of discomfort, this targeted therapy offers a drug-free pathway to restoring mobility, reducing discomfort, and improving quality of life.
What to expect from your dry needing session
During a dry needling session, one of our caring practitioners will use thin, solid filiform needles to target the specific muscle trigger points contributing to your knee pain. The process typically follows these steps:
- Assessment: Your practitioner will start by conducting a thorough evaluation of your knee, assessing your range of motion, and muscle strength, and identifying any areas of tenderness or tightness.
- Needle Insertion: Using a sterile needle, the practitioner will insert it directly into the identified trigger point. You may feel a brief, mild pinching sensation as the needle penetrates the skin, but most patients report it is not significantly painful.
- Needle Manipulation: Once the needle is in place, the practitioner may gently manipulate or “piston” the needle to elicit a local twitch response in the muscle. This helps to release the tightness and relax the muscle fibers. As the needles are inserted into the skin, you may feel a deep aching sensation as the muscle releases.
- Monitoring and Aftercare: After the treatment, one of our practitioners will provide any necessary aftercare instructions, and discuss further treatment, if required.
It’s important to note that the number of dry needling sessions required can vary depending on the severity of your knee condition and your response to treatment. Some patients may see significant improvement after just one or two sessions, while others may require a series of treatments over several weeks to achieve optimal results.
Dry needling vs. other treatments for knee pain
Dry needling offers several advantages over other common treatments for knee pain:
- Medication-free Relief: Unlike pain medications, which can have unwanted side effects, dry needling provides drug-free pain management by directly addressing the muscular contributors to knee discomfort.
- Faster Recovery: Many patients report experiencing immediate pain relief and improved mobility after a dry needling session, allowing them to return to their normal activities more quickly.
- Long-lasting Effects: While the initial pain relief from dry needling is often rapid. Dry needling can also provide long-term benefits by addressing the root causes of knee dysfunction, potentially reducing the need for ongoing medication or other interventions.
- Complementary Approach: Dry needling can be an excellent complement to other treatments, such as physical therapy, corrective exercise, and lifestyle modifications, to provide a comprehensive approach to managing knee pain.
Book with us today
If you’re struggling with persistent or recurring knee pain, dry needling may be a valuable addition to your treatment plan. By addressing the muscular imbalances and trigger points contributing to your knee discomfort, this targeted approach can help you regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve your overall quality of life.
With the right combination of treatments, including dry needling, you can take an active role in managing your knee pain and reclaiming your active lifestyle. Don’t let knee discomfort hold you back – contact Lycoming Orthopedic & Sports Acupuncture today to book your first session and explore the benefits of this innovative, effective therapy!
