Is Deep Dry Needling Combined with Stretching Effective for Muscle Pain?
- Julian Simpson
- Aug 11
- 4 min read
Is Deep Dry Needling Combined with Stretching Effective for Muscle Pain?
Muscle pain- what happens?
Characteristic effects of muscle pain include heightened muscle tension, which often manifests as a feeling of tightness or stiffness in the affected muscles. This increased tension can lead to a sensation of discomfort and may restrict normal movement.
Another significant effect is muscle shortening, where the affected muscles may become less flexible and unable to fully extend, resulting in a reduced range of motion. This shortening can lead to further complications, including postural imbalances.
Disrupted muscle activation patterns are also common, where the normal sequence and timing of muscle contractions are altered. This disruption can affect overall coordination and performance, making it difficult to engage in physical activities without pain.
Weakness is another characteristic that often accompanies muscle pain. Individuals may find it challenging to perform tasks that require strength, leading to a reliance on other muscle groups, which may become overworked as a result.
Aggravation of muscle fatigue is frequently observed, where the muscles tire more quickly than usual. This fatigue can further exacerbate the sensation of pain and discomfort, creating a cycle that is difficult to break.
Finally, restricted mobility is a prevalent outcome of muscle pain, which can significantly impact daily activities. Individuals may find it challenging to engage in routine movements, leading to a decrease in overall physical activity and potentially resulting in a decline in overall health.
What causes muscle pain?
Postural stress is a common cause of muscle pain, often arising from poor ergonomic practices during work or daily activities. Prolonged periods in awkward positions can strain muscles, leading to discomfort and pain.
Biomechanical inefficiency can also contribute to muscle pain. When the body does not move optimally, it can place undue stress on certain muscle groups, causing them to become overworked and painful.
Trauma is another significant factor, including injuries from accidents or sports. Such incidents can lead to immediate and acute muscle pain, often requiring medical intervention for relief and recovery.
Repetitive overuse is a prevalent cause of muscle pain, particularly in athletes or individuals whose jobs require repetitive motions. Over time, this can lead to chronic pain and discomfort in the affected areas.
Excessive stress or muscle fibre injury can occur due to intense physical activity without adequate recovery. This injury can lead to inflammation and pain, as the body attempts to heal the damaged tissues.
Adaptive lengthening and eccentric muscle strains are also contributors to muscle pain. When muscles are stretched beyond their capacity, it can lead to micro-tears and pain, particularly during activities that involve sudden changes in direction or speed.
Joint dysfunction can lead to compensatory muscle pain. When joints are not functioning properly, surrounding muscles may have to work harder to stabilize the area, leading to fatigue and discomfort.
Finally, psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly influence the perception of muscle pain. Emotional well-being is closely linked to physical health, and mental stress can exacerbate existing pain conditions.
Deep dry needling (DDN) is a specialised physical therapy technique that is indicated for the treatment of muscle pain, particularly when it is caused by muscle trigger points. These trigger points are hyperirritable spots within the muscle that can refer pain to other areas of the body, making them a central focus in pain management strategies.
One of the unique features of muscle trigger points is the local twitch response (LTR), which occurs as an involuntary reflex contraction of the taut band of muscle fibres following its needling. This response can provide immediate relief from pain and is often a sign that the treatment is effective.
2024 research looked into the effectiveness of adding dry needling to stretching versus stretching alone on pain intensity among individuals experiencing muscle pain. This study aimed to evaluate whether the combination of these two techniques could enhance therapeutic outcomes for patients suffering from muscle discomfort.
Adding dry needling to stretching as a muscle therapy treatment may be more effective for pain reduction in patients with muscle pain than stretching alone. This synergistic approach combines the mechanical benefits of dry needling with the elongation effects of stretching, potentially leading to greater improvements in pain levels and muscle function.
The therapeutic interest in dry needling is related to its mechanical disruption of muscle trigger points. By effectively targeting these points, practitioners aim to alleviate pain and restore normal muscle function. Multiple insertions in the endplate zone can cause controlled neuromuscular injury, which may damage muscle fibres and motor endplates.
This process, while seemingly counterintuitive, is followed by a correct and complete regeneration of these structures, leading to improved muscle health and reduced pain over time.
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Reference
Guzmán-Pavón MJ, Torres-Costoso AI, Cavero-Redondo I, Reina-Gutiérrez S, Lorenzo-García P, Álvarez-Bueno C. Effectiveness of deep dry needling combined with stretching for the treatment of pain in patients with myofascial trigger points: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2024 Oct;40:1086-1092. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.07.003. Epub 2024 Jul 14. PMID: 39593416.
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