Hey there, have you heard of dry needling as a pain therapy?
If you’re an athlete, you may be familiar with these stubborn tensions that feel as if a tennis ball has dug deep into the muscle or hidden somewhere. Whether it’s after climbing, running, CrossFit or yoga – these stubborn tensions that just won’t let go pop up again and again. And it doesn’t matter whether you stretch, roll or simply “train over it”. Especially after intensive sessions, the body sometimes feels more like a dead end than a flow.
And this is where dry needling comes in.
Dry needling is a technique in which very fine needles are inserted specifically into so-called myofascial trigger points – i.e. exactly where muscles tend to contract and cause tension. In contrast to traditional acupuncture, this is not about meridians or energy flows, but about muscles, fascia and neuromuscular reactions.
What are the benefits of dry needling for active athletes?
Many people report that their muscles feel looser, their mobility increases or the sensation of pain changes after a treatment. This can be particularly exciting if you notice that your body “slows down” in certain areas – no matter how much you stretch or massage.
Sounds good – but does it hurt?
Honestly? Sometimes a little.
The insertion of the needle itself is usually barely noticeable. But when the right point is hit, there may be a brief muscle twitch – like a reflex. Some find this liberating, others find it rather unpleasant.
And afterwards? It can feel like sore muscles. The treated area can be sensitive for one to two days – similar to after an intensive workout. The important thing to remember is that this is completely normal and a sign that your tissue is reacting to the stimuli.
Who is this exciting for?
If you have the feeling that your muscles keep falling back into certain patterns despite stretching, rolling and moving – or if you have the feeling that there is something deeper going on – then dry needling could be an impulse to give your body a break. It is not a miracle cure, but it is an interesting building block in working with tension, perception and freedom of movement.
What’s important to me:
Dry needling is not a magic trick. Nor does it replace diagnostics or medical treatment – but it can be an exciting way to give your body new impulses. Especially if you are someone who likes to try things out, who likes to move and doesn’t want to pause every time you feel a pinch.
If you’re curious, feel free to talk to me. I’ll explain exactly how it works and what you can expect – individually, athletically and at eye level.
See you soon on the mat – or the table.
