So recently I have been going to a kinesiotherapist to help me deal with some muscular tensions in my shoulder and back. Besides massages and other type of manipulations, my therapist also did cupping (I will talk about it soon) and dry needling.
I know this therapy might not be for everyone as it involves needles being stabed in your flesh, but it definitely is a very useful technique. Especially if you have lots of muscle tensions that need releasing to be able to perform in some type of sports. So let’s talk about it.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is when thin needles are put into specific points on your body to help with muscle pain and tightness. It’s different from acupuncture, which focuses on balancing energy in your body. It goes straight to the muscles to ease pain and tension.
If you are interested in more scientific literature about dry needling, click here.
Why It’s Good for athletes or just regular gym goers
1. Pain Relief:
- Targeting Pain: Dry needling is like hitting a bullseye for pain relief. It’s great for easing muscle pain from workouts or injuries. Though it will hurt like hell for a while after the therapy.
- Relaxing Muscles: By focusing on tight spots, dry needling helps muscles relax, making you feel better and more flexible.
2. Faster Recovery:
- Better Blood Flow: Dry needling gets your blood flowing better, sending in helpful stuff like oxygen and nutrients while taking away waste. This speeds up healing from injuries and tough workouts.
- Less Swelling: It can also help reduce swelling, which means you’ll recover faster from injuries.
3. Muscle Help:
- Improved Function: Dry needling helps muscles work better, making you stronger and more balanced.
- Preventing Problems: Doing it regularly can stop muscle problems before they start, keeping you injury-free.
4. Boosting Performance:
- More Flexibility: Dry needling can loosen up tight muscles and help your joints move better, making you more flexible.
- Stronger Muscles: By fixing muscle issues, it helps your muscles work together better, making you a better athlete and lowering your chances of getting hurt.
How It Helps in Sports
Dry needling isn’t just for one type of sport—it can help athletes of all kinds. Whether you’re a soccer player, a runner, or a weightlifter, this therpay can ease pain and keep you feeling good. It’s especially helpful for sports where you do a lot of the same movements over and over or where you’re likely to get hurt. Which is exaclty what was happening to me.
I had spent years neglecting the tension in my traps and shoulders, putting off visiting a doctor to complain about it. You know, I don’t like to complain much about these things. However, when it comes to your wellbeing, it is good to complain a bit from time to time and get things sorted. And if you are taking part of some sort of sports, it is always better to tackle problems befor they become chronic or something worse than muscle tension comes about.
Wrapping Up
Dry needling might sound a bit strange, but it’s actually pretty cool for athletes. It’s a safe way to ease pain and recover faster. As more athletes try it out and see the benefits, dry needling is becoming a popular tool for staying healthy and performing at your best. So if you’re into fitness or any other type of sports looking to feel better and play harder, this type of therapy could be just the thing for you!
Reminder
Do consult your GP and find a good kinesiotherapist who knows what they are doing and why beforehand, of course! Don’t go stabbing needles in your flesh: that is not what I would suggest anyone to do. Dry needling is a therapy that requires deep knowledge, so qualified medical practicioners is what you will need.
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