Dry Needling for Relieving Pain from Prolonged Sitting

Prolonged sitting can lead to various musculoskeletal discomforts and pain, specifically in the lower back, neck, and shoulders. In Edmonton, dry needling offers a therapeutic option to address these pains directly at their source. Also known as Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) therapy, this technique involves inserting thin needles into the tight, knotted areas in muscles, which are often the root cause of discomfort. Dry needling in Edmonton helps to release muscle tension, improve blood flow, and trigger the body’s natural healing processes, providing relief for those who experience chronic pain from extended periods of sitting.

How Dry Needling Helps Relieve Pain from Prolonged Sitting:

Targeting Myofascial Trigger Points

Prolonged sitting often leads to the development of myofascial trigger points, which are hyperirritable spots within tight bands of muscle tissue. Dry needling in Edmonton directly targets these trigger points by inserting fine, sterile needles into the muscle tissue. This precise targeting helps in the following:

1. Releasing Muscle Tension: Inserting needles into trigger points causes a local twitch response, which is an involuntary contraction of the muscle. This twitch response helps to release the tightness and tension in the muscle fibres, thereby reducing pain and discomfort.
2. Interrupting Pain Signals: Dry needling disrupts the pain signals sent to the brain by inducing the sensory nerves within the muscle. This modulation of pain pathways helps to alleviate chronic pain associated with prolonged sitting.
3. Promoting Healing: Dry needling stimulates the body’s natural healing processes by creating a controlled micro-injury within the muscle tissue. This leads to increased blood flow, minimized inflammation, and the promotion of tissue repair in the affected areas.

Improving Blood Circulation 

Prolonged sitting can lead to poor circulation, resulting in muscle stiffness and pain. Dry needling enhances blood flow to the affected muscles by:

1. Vasodilation: The needle insertion induces a localized inflammatory response, by which the blood vessels dilate. This vasodilation improves circulation and helps to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the tissues in the muscle.
2. Reducing Ischemia: Trigger points often create areas of ischemia (restricted blood flow) within the muscle. Dry needling helps to break down these ischemic areas, restoring normal blood flow and reducing muscle pain.

Restoring Muscle Function 

Sitting for extended periods will cause muscle imbalances and weaken the core, hip flexors, and lower back muscles. Dry needling helps in:

1. Enhancing Muscle Activation: Dry needling improves muscle activation and function by stimulating the muscle fibres and promoting the release of tension. This helps reactivate muscles that may have become dormant or underused due to prolonged sitting.
2. Improving Range of Motion: The release of tight muscles and trigger points through dry needling improves flexibility and range of movement in the area of pain. This enhanced mobility is crucial for preventing pain and discomfort from prolonged sitting.

How to Dry Needling is Performed for Prolonged Sitting Pain:

Initial Assessment 

Before starting dry needling, the therapist conducts a thorough assessment to identify the specific trigger points and areas of muscle tension related to prolonged sitting. This ensures an effective treatment plan.

Needle Insertion Process

1. Preparation: The therapist cleans the skin over the identified trigger points to ensure a sterile environment.
2. Insertion: Fine, sterile needles inserted into the trigger points. The insertion depth and angle depend on the targeted muscle and the tension’s severity.
3. Twitch Response: The therapist may seek a local twitch response, indicating muscle tension release. This response indicates that the treatment effectively targets the problem areas.
4. Adjustment: The therapist may adjust or reposition the needles to ensure maximum effectiveness and patient comfort.

Post-Treatment Care 

After the dry needling session, patients might experience mild soreness and bruising at the needle sites, which typically subsides within a day or two. The therapist may recommend:

1. Gentle Stretching: Performing gentle stretches to maintain muscle flexibility and prevent further tension.
2. Hydration: Drinking plenty of water to help flush out metabolic waste products released during the treatment.
3. Follow-Up Sessions: Scheduling regular follow-up sessions to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as required.

Combining Dry Needling with Other Therapies

Exercise Therapy 

Incorporating these exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles affected by prolonged sitting can enhance the benefits of dry needling. Hip flexor stretches, lower back extensions and core strengthening routines are often recommended. 

Hip Flexor Stretches

Begin by kneeling on the floor. Place one foot forward so the knee forms a 90-degree angle, with the other knee on the ground. Gently push the hips forward while keeping the back straight until a stretch is felt along the front of the hip of the kneeling leg. Maintain for 15-30 seconds. Complete 2-3 sets on each side twice a day. Regular practice helps maintain flexibility and reduce tightness in the hip flexors.

Bird-Dog Exercise

Begin with hands and knees with a neutral spine. With the right arm extended forward and the left leg backward, keeping the body straight. Hold for 5-10 seconds, then return to the starting position. Complete 10-15 repetitions on each side twice a day. This exercise will strengthen the core and lower back, improving overall stability.

Ergonomic Adjustments 

Physiotherapists provide ergonomic advice to optimize the patient’s work environment, promoting healthy sitting habits and reducing the risk of muscle tension and pain. This includes:

1. Adjusting Chair Height: Ensuring the chair is at the correct height to keep the knees at a 90-degree angle.
2. Using Supportive Cushions: Adding lumbar support cushions to maintain proper spinal alignment.
3. Taking Regular Breaks: Encouraging the practice of standing up and moving around every 30-60 minutes to prevent prolonged static posture.

Achieve Lasting Relief with Dry Needling Therapy

At Vertex Physiotherapy, our dry-needling therapy provides an effective solution for those suffering from pain associated with prolonged sitting. By integrating dry needling in Edmonton into your care plan, you can experience significant relief from muscle tightness and discomfort, enabling a more comfortable and productive daily life. Contact Vertex Physiotherapy today to learn how dry-needling therapy can help you achieve lasting relief.