Do you suffer from muscle pain or movement issues? You’re not alone. Musculoskeletal pain affects millions, and many are finding relief through a treatment called dry needling. If you’re in Naples, FL, or Ponte Vedra Beach and considering dry needling, it’s important to understand that not all dry needling is the same. At Wells Physical Therapy, we want you to have the knowledge to make the best decision for your health.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling involves inserting thin needles into muscles and tissues to alleviate pain and improve movement. It’s a technique used by physical therapists and other healthcare providers. It might sound similar to acupuncture, but it’s different! Dry needling is based on Western medicine, focusing on specific muscle problems, not energy flow.

Electric Dry Needling: Taking it a Step Further

To enhance the effects of dry needling, electrical stimulation can be added to the needles. This is called electric dry needling, and there are a couple of different ways to do it: in situ and the Hong approach.

• In Situ Dry Needling: Needles are placed in the target area and left there while electrical stimulation is applied.
  
  
• Hong Approach: This method involves quickly inserting and removing the needles in the trigger point, sometimes using electrical stimulation.
  
  

Both methods target those painful trigger points in your muscles, but they do it in different ways.

Does it Really Make a Difference?

You might be wondering, “Does it matter which method is used?” Great question! Researchers have been comparing the two to see how they stack up for pain relief, improved function, and overall results.

Pain Reduction

Studies show that both methods can reduce pain. One study showed both techniques worked, but patients felt less pain during the in situ method. Another study indicated in situ dry needling might be better for shoulder pain. So, while both can help with pain, in situ might be more comfortable and potentially more effective for certain conditions.

Functional Improvement

Both techniques have been shown to improve daily activities. Some studies found similar results between the two methods, while others suggested in situ might be better for improving function, especially in cases like shoulder impingement.

Physical Improvements

In situ dry needling, particularly the deep form, may be more effective for improving range of motion. More research is needed to compare the two techniques for things like strength and endurance.

How Do They Work?

Both techniques work to relieve pain and improve muscle function, but they may do it in slightly different ways.

• Both methods can trigger local twitch responses (LTRs), those involuntary muscle contractions that help release tension.
  
  
• Dry needling, in general, affects how our bodies perceive pain and can increase blood flow to the area.
  
  
• In situ dry needling might have a more sustained effect on blood flow due to the continuous stimulation.
  
  
• The Hong approach focuses on those quick muscle twitches to release tension.
  
  

Which method is “better” might depend on your specific needs. If you want quick muscle spasm relief, the Hong approach might be the way to go. If you’re looking for longer-term pain relief and tissue healing, in situ might be more beneficial.

What the Research Says

While there aren’t many studies directly comparing the two techniques, research does show that dry needling, in general, is effective for pain relief, especially in the short term.

Dry Needling for Specific Conditions

The effectiveness of each technique can vary depending on the condition.

• Low back pain: Both dry needling and another treatment (PENS) showed similar results.
  
  
• Neck pain: Electric dry needling (likely in situ) was shown to be better than dry needling alone.
  
  
• Knee osteoarthritis: In situ dry needling combined with other therapies was effective.
  
  
• Shoulder impingement: In situ dry needling was more effective than the Hong approach.
  
  
• Myofascial pain syndrome: Both techniques were effective.
  
  

Pros and Cons

Here’s a quick breakdown:

In Situ Dry Needling

• Pros: Potentially less painful, longer-lasting effects, may be better for range of motion and certain conditions.
  
  
• Cons: Longer treatment time, doesn’t provide immediate twitch feedback.
  
  

Hong Approach Dry Needling

• Pros: Focuses on triggering those twitch responses for quick relief.
  
  
• Cons: Can be more painful, might overstimulate the nervous system in some people.
  
  

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and what your physical therapist recommends.

Electrical Stimulation: Finding the Right Settings

Researchers are still working to determine the ideal electrical stimulation settings for dry needling. For in situ, low-frequency stimulation is often used for muscle contractions, while higher frequencies might be used for pain.

The Bottom Line

Both in situ and Hong approach dry needling can be effective for pain relief and improved function. In situ may be more comfortable and better for range of motion, while the Hong approach targets muscle twitches for faster relief.

Recommendations

• Your physical therapist should consider your specific condition, preferences, and goals when choosing a dry needling technique.
  
  
• If you’re looking for sustained effects and better range of motion, in situ might be the way to go.
  
  
• If you want to focus on triggering muscle twitches, the Hong approach might be preferred.
  
  
• More research is needed to directly compare the two techniques and determine the best electrical stimulation settings.
  
  

Dry Needling in Naples, FL & Ponte Vedra Beach

At Wells Physical Therapy, we’re committed to providing the best care for our clients. If you’re in Ponte Vedra Beach or Naples, FL, and you’re interested in dry needling, give us a call! We can help you determine if it’s the right treatment option for you.

Call us Today!

Don’t let pain hold you back. At Wells Physical Therapy, we specialize in in-home and concierge physical therapy, providing personalized care directly to our patients. We bring expert physical therapy and dry needling to your home, gym, or community space, eliminating the need for clinic visits.  Contact Wells Physical Therapy today to schedule a personalized session or call us at 904-568-1156!