Why is Dry Needling Illegal in Some States?
Dry needling is illegal in some states by licensed physical therapist. i.e
1. New York
2. Washington
3. California
4. California
5. Hawaii
Dry needling is a physical therapy that uses thin needles, used to treat muscle tension, muscle stiffness, tightening of muscles, and pain.
Unlike acupuncture, it focuses on releasing muscle knots and releive pain rather than influencing energy flow.
During dry needling, a trained professional inserts needles directly into local area where problems is present i.e muscle, tendon, or connective tissues, and due to dry needling this therapy promotes relaxation and reduces pain, muscle stiffness and muscle tension.
One thing you have to know that sometimes it may causes a brief discomfort, but many people find releif from pain, stiffness, tension and strain. Also muscle shows increase mobility after dry needling sessions.
pros and cons of dry needling
Pros
Dry needling offers a wide range of benifits for muscle, joints, tendon and over all body also.
Here I have listed major benifits wich you can get after dry needling sessions
1. Pain Relief
• Target trigger points :
Dry needling applied locally directly show their effects on those “knots” in your muscles, that reduces a pain significantly and improve range of motion.
• Boosts natural pain relievers :
In dry needling, the needles wich goes in your body locally, triggers your body to release endorphins ( a hormone wich release in your body, helps in relieving pain, reduces stress and improve your sense of well being). Endorphins aka “body’s natural pain reliever”, gives lasting pain relief without medicine.
• Reduces inflammation:
Dry needling helps in reducing inflammation around trigger points, that further decreases pain and discomfort.
Improved Mobility and Performance:
• Increases flexibility:
By removing tension, relaxing tight muscles and improving blood flow dry needling can significantly reduce stiffness and improve flexibility and range of motion.
• Enhances athletic performance:
For athletes, dry needling significantly enhance performance by improving flexibility and reducing pain. If due to injury your muscles get stiffed and paining, dry needling can help loosen up muscle stiffness and release tension, leaving you feeling energized and refreshed.
Beyond Pain Relief
• Improves sleep
Dry needling improves sleep and promoting relaxation by reducing stress and make you feel good.
Dry needling indirectly improve your sleep quality by reducing stress, leaving you feeling relaxed, rested and ready to tackle the day.
• Boosts mood
Dry needling causes release of endorphins, that not only decreases pain but also elevate mood and increase feeling of well being.
• Minimally invasive
Unlike other intervention, dry needling is a minimally invasive procedure, that makes it more comfortable and easy option for many people.
One question must be running in your mind that when dry needling have multiple benifits then why it is illegal or not allowed in some states.Reason I have mentioned below after cons section. Continue Swipe down to read …
Cons
1. Discomfort and Side Effects
• bruising and soreness:
After dry needling bruising and Soreness are common, although they are temporary, these are common side effects after dry needling.
These side are common in Speciality sensitive people and people with blood disorder.
• bleeding:
Minor bleeding can occur at the side of insertion, and minor bleeding is commonly seen in many cases wich do cause any harm to person.but if you bleed non stop and persistent,then there can be serious side effects if can’t manage immediately. Although excessive bleeding is very rare case and it is common in people with bleeding disorders.
• Increased pain
In some cases, dry needling can initially worsen pain before it eases.
• anxiety or fear of needles:
If you have phobia of needles, dry needling will cause anxiety and increased heart rate, hence dry needling might not be the best option who have fear of needles.
2. Potential Risks and Limitations
• Infection:
Although infection is rare, but has to be consider while doing dry needling.
Improper sterilisation or pre existing skin diseases can increase the risk of infection.
• Nerve damage:
Nerve damage is extremely rare but dangerous side effect, if needles touches the nerve that can cause temporary numbness or tingling sensation but if Needle goes down and significantly damage the nerve then you may experience worst neuropathic pain that are very hard to tolerate.
• Not suitable for everyone:
People who are dealing with bleeding disorders, anaemic, pregnancy woman, or active infection should not go with dry needling as in those conditions dry needling can adversely effect and you may have to face consequences.
• Effectiveness varies among person to person:
Every person is different and tolerance , results, side effects are different from person to person.
Why is Dry Needling Illegal in Some States?
Why is Dry Needling Illegal in New York?
Same reason also applies for
Washington
California
California
Hawaii
In new york city Dry needling remains illegal for physical therapists for the following reasons.
• Classification as Acupuncture:
The new york state board for physical therapy has stated that Dry Needling is a form of acupuncture, wich requires a separate licence to practice. only licensed acupuncture therapist can legally perform acupuncture related techniques like dry needling in new york.
• Scope of Practice Debate:
What is classification of dry needling?
This question is an ongoing debate between physical therapist and acupuncture specialist.
Physical therapist says it’s focus on musculoskeletal anatomy and movement dysfunction makes it within their scope of practice.
On the other hand acupuncture therapist consider it as a part of Chinese medicine practice.
• Regulatory Discrepancies
Dry needling’s legal status varies across the US. While new york and other several states prohibit it for the physical therapists, on the other hand many states in us allows dry needling with proper, specific rules and regulations and with certification. This creates confusion between therapists and patients.
• Ongoing Efforts for Change
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and other organizations demonstrate some changes in laws to allow physical therapist to perform dry needling, while it is still in process.
Important points
Dry needling is allowed in new york within acupuncture practice. Patients can get their dry needling sessions under licenced acupuncture therapist.
does dry needling hurt?
Dry needling might feel a little pain and discomfort for a short time, like a tiny pinch or ant bite.
Needles use in dry needling are very thin, that not causes a big pain.
People often explain about pain is ” it’s just a quick twinge”. But due to this needling and little pain might help you in reducing your pain and make your muscles more flexible and strong.
It’s better to let the person doing it know how you feel so that can make you comfortable as much as possible.
Let’s this pain and discomfort elaborate step by step
1. Initial sensation:
During the insertion of the thin needles, you might feel a quick prick or stinging sensation. This pain is usually short lived and mild in nature.
2. Muscle twitch:
As the needle touches a trigger points of muscles, you may feel a brief involuntary muscle twitch. That is normal sign and it indicates that needle reached the target area.
3. Aching or Soreness:
After the treatment done, you might feel some Soreness or ache in a targeted area.
This is quite similar to post workout muscle fatigue and usually goes away within a few days.
4. Every person’s experience is different:
Every person experience dry needling differently as every person’s sensitivity varies.
5. Communication:
If you are feeling significant discomfort during the procedure, don’t stay quiet, let your practitioner know about this. They will adjust needle accordingly or use different techniques to minimise pain and discomfort.
Dry needling aims to releive pain and muscle tension for long term. If you are feeling pain after dry needling session, consult your therapist who performed the dry needling.
dry needling vs acupuncture
While both procedure dry needling and acupuncture involves use of this needles, both are different procedure, have distinct approach and are applied for different purposes. Here are quick brief comparison for acupuncture vs dry needling….
What Happens When Dry Needling Hits a Nerve?
Dry needling is generally considered a safe and effective procedure, but there is a rare but serious risk if needle hits a nerve.
This can cause neuropathic pain, numbness, tingling sensation.
If this happens, remove the Needle immediately and assessed the are for further treatment.
Here are some potential scenarios when Dry Needling Hits a Nerve.
• Pain or discomfort
Hitting a nerve may cause immediate pain or discomfort at the site of insertion. This pain can be sharp in nature and tingling sensation can feel by patient that may radiate along the nerve pathway.
• Local twitch response
This is common response while doing dry needling. This is an involuntary action of muscle fibers in response to dry needling.
If a nerve is hit by dry needle, it might result in a more pronounced twitch.
• Radiating sensation
If the needle comes in contact with a nerve, the patient may feel pain sensation radiating along with the nerve pathway.
• Bleeding or bruising
While doing dry needling, there is risk of minor bleeding or bruising at the site of Needle insertion, specially if a blood vessel or capillary is punctured.
• Temporary Nerve Irritation
In some cases, hitting a nerve may cause temporary irritation without causing long term damage. Symptoms usually resolve on their in some days.
It’s important to note that while dry needling is generally considered safe procedure when performed by trained and registered practitioners,
There are some inherent risks and complications, though rare, but can occur.
While doing dry needling, practitioner should have proper training and knowledge of anatomy and take precautions to minimise the risks of adverse events.
If you are planning to do a dry needling, discuss with your Doctor and give them your complete history regarding pain, discomfort, your ongoing treatment, allergies, co morbidities etc.
After that they can provide you information about the need, benefits and potential risks based on your specific circumstances.
If you are experiencing severe or persistent symptoms after dry needling session, consult your practisoner immediately. He will examine you and update you regarding your symptoms.
How Often Should Dry Needling Be Done?
Dry needling is typically performed on a weekly basis for a period of 4 to 6 weeks.
But the frequency of dry needling sessions can vary based on individual’s specific needs, the nature of the condition being treated, and what your Doctor advised you.
Generally, the frequency is determined by the factors i.e
– What disease you want to treat with dry needling
– person’s response to dry needling treatment
– goal of the therapy
– allergy history or fear of needling
– bleeding and coagulation profile
– bleeding disorder
– age
– co morbidities
– on going treatment
– tolerance power
Here are some general guidelines regarding frequency of dry needling sessions based on different conditions
1. Acute Conditions
For acute muscle or skeletal issues or strain, injury or spasm, more frequent sessions may be required initially.
This could mean 1 or 2 sessions per week.
2. Chronic Conditions
For chronic issues, the frequency might be less.
i.e 1 in a week or 1 in a 2 weeks.
3. Maintenance and Prevention :
After completing initial sessions and achieving therapeutic effects of dry needling, some individuals may get benefits from occasional or maintenance sessions to prevent the recurrence of the symptoms.
4. Individual Response
The response to dry needling can vary among individuals. Some show good and quick response after just a few sessions, while others may require a more extended treatment plan to achieve a good results.
5. Integration with Other Therapies to achieve synergic effects
Dry needling mostly used as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan. The frequency may be adjusted based on how it complements other comprehensive treatment i.e physiotherapy, exercise and rehabilitation.
How can you tell if dry needling is working?
It involves assessing changes in symptoms, improvement in function of muscle, reduced stiffness and pain and overall condition.
Here are some sign and Symptoms that indicates if dry needling is working or not.
1. Decreased pain
If you are feeling reduction in severity and frequency of pain, that means treatment is showing good results.
2. Improved Range of Motion
Dry needling can increase range of motion and improve flexibility. If you notice an increased range of motion in the target area, that means dry needling is showing positive results.
3. Enhanced Functionality
Successful dry needling sessions leads to better functionality outcomes. After completing sessions you will see improvement in ability to perform daily activities, sport related movements, and overall functionality.
4. Changes in Muscle Tension
Dry needling release muscle tension at Target points. You may notice a decrease muscle tightness and stiffness. That make you feel relaxed and comfortable.
5. Reduction in Trigger Point Sensitivity
As dry needling targete those areas, you will feel decrease in sensitivity and tenderness.
6. Positive Changes in Symptoms
If you were doing dry needling for specific symptoms
i.e headache, numbness, tingling sensation.
Improvement in these symptoms indicates that treatment is showing its effects.
7. Better Sleep and Relaxation:
After dry needling, once your pain, stiffness, mobility improves, you will experience a good Quality sleep and overall sense of relaxation.
8. Feedback from Your Healthcare Provider
Regular communication with your health care provider is important to track your progress, And modify the treatment plan as necessary.
Does My Insurance Cover Dry Needling?
Yesss
It’s frequently covered by insurance, but it’s advisable to verify with your insurance provider to confirm coverage.
Can Dry Needling Help Arthritis?
Dry needling has shown promise as a complementary therapy option for arthritis patients.
While it doesn’t directly treat the disease of arthritis, it can help in relieving symptoms of arthritis.
Arthritis characterised by joint inflammation, and stiffness, often leads to muscle tightness and trigger points. Is a common medical disease that causes pain and stiffness in the joints. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are various treatment options that can help to relieve symptoms.
Dry needling involves the insertion of thin Needles into specific muscles trigger points,that helps in releasing tension and improve circulation which can help reduce pain from arthritis.
