️Dry needling can feel both painful and relieving at the same time because of how it interacts with your muscles and nervous system.
Here’s why:
- Trigger Point Release: Dry needling targets trigger points—knots or tight bands in muscle fibers that can cause pain and restrict movement. When the needle is inserted into these spots, it can produce a sharp or achy sensation, often called a “twitch response.” This discomfort is your muscle reacting to the needle, but the release of tension that follows often feels relieving.
- Increased Blood Flow: The needle’s insertion stimulates blood flow to the area, promoting oxygen and nutrient delivery to help the muscle heal. This increased circulation can create a sensation of warmth or relief after the initial discomfort.
- Endorphin Release: The slight pain from dry needling triggers the release of endorphins—your body’s natural painkillers—which can create a sense of relief and even euphoria after the session.
- Nervous System Reset: Dry needling helps “reset” your nervous system by reducing excessive signals sent from irritated muscles. The initial discomfort of the needle may feel intense, but this recalibration often leads to a sensation of relief.
- Muscle Soreness (Good Pain): Like the soreness you feel after a good workout, the discomfort during dry needling signals that your muscles are being stimulated in a way that promotes recovery and healing.
The “hurts-so-good” feeling comes from the balance between the immediate, controlled discomfort of the treatment and the subsequent relaxation and pain relief it provides.
All of our Physiotherapists are trained in Dry Needling. Give us a call! Your upper traps, Piriformis and more muscles will thank you!
