Shoulder pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal complaint affecting individuals across all age groups, from youngsters leading fast-paced modern lives to older adults dealing with age-related conditions. Factors such as lack of exercise, poor diet, improper lifestyle, and strenuous working procedures often contribute to its onset. Studies indicate that over 1% of adults above 45 years experience shoulder pain with varying prevalence. For those experiencing continuous shoulder pain, dry needling therapy, a key component of modern Western medicine and physical therapy, offers a highly recommended and effective treatment option for muscle pain relief, promoting increased range of motion and overall pain management.
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique employed by licensed acupuncturists and other healthcare providers to address musculoskeletal conditions. As its name implies, it involves the use of sterile, thin, solid needles—without any injected fluid or medication—to directly target specific trigger points within skeletal muscle. These trigger points, often described as “muscle knots,” are hyperirritable spots within a taut band of muscle tissue that can cause localized pain and referred pain patterns [1]. Unlike traditional Chinese medicine (acupuncture), which focuses on energy pathways (meridians), dry needling targets these specific physiological dysfunctions within the muscle itself. The needles used in dry needling treatment are typically longer than those for acupuncture, allowing for deeper penetration to reach the affected muscle fibers.
Dry needling directly addresses muscle tension and imbalance that often contribute to shoulder pain. The treatment primarily targets key muscles in the shoulder complex, including the anterior deltoid, infraspinatus, and subscapularis muscles, as well as rotator cuff muscles. By precisely inserting the thin needles into these specific trigger points, dry needling helps to:
It’s crucial to understand that not all types of shoulder pain originate from compressed or imbalanced muscles. For example, conditions like bursitis (inflammation of the bursae), adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), or slipped discs affect joints or bones and may require different medical treatments. However, if a patient is experiencing muscle imbalance, myofascial pain syndrome, or conditions like shoulder impingement syndrome, dry needling therapy can be an incredibly effective technique to alleviate pain and discomfort.
We recommend dry needling therapy when a patient presents with specific symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome, such as a knot causing a deep, aching pain, or when shoulder pain results in noticeable muscle imbalance, leading to a “shrug” in one shoulder. It has also shown promise in managing chronic pain associated with conditions like tennis elbow and certain sports injuries.
Dry needling therapy, when performed by a qualified healthcare provider like an acupuncturist with proper training, is considered completely safe. Minor side effects are common and typically temporary. Approximately 1-3% of patients may experience drowsiness, tiredness, or dizziness after a dry needling session, so it’s advised not to drive immediately following treatment. Minor bleeding or bruising in the treated area occurs in 15-20% of patients, which is a normal response to the needle insertion. More severe adverse events are extremely rare, occurring in approximately 0.01% of patients [5].
Following your dry needle therapy for shoulder pain treatment, the treated area may feel a little sore. This soreness doesn’t always happen, but it is a normal and expected side effect, often indicative of the muscle responding to the intervention. Soreness may begin a few hours after the dry needling session or even the next day, and its intensity will vary from person to person. Bruising is also possible, with the shoulders being more prone to it. Applying an ice compress to the area can help decrease bruising and alleviate soreness. If you have any questions or concerns after your treatment, your healthcare provider will be available to assist you.
To maximize the therapeutic effects and minimize potential side effects after your dry needling therapy for shoulder pain treatment, we highly recommend the following:
Do:
Do Not:
We hope this guide to dry needling for shoulder pain treatment has been informative. If you have further questions about our clinic or any of the treatments we provide, including dry needling, soft tissue therapy, and acupuncture, please get in touch with us today. We are more than happy to help you book an appointment and start your journey towards less pain and improved quality of life.
The shoulder joint, a complex structure comprising the upper-arm bone, collarbone, and shoulder blades, is crucial for daily activities. Shoulder pain can arise from various causes, including injury, overuse, or referred pain from other body parts. Arthritis is also a common cause, particularly in older individuals. The following symptoms often signal a need to seek the best shoulder pain treatment from experienced acupuncturist, Dr. Jordan Barber, on the Upper West Side in NYC:
While some home remedies may provide temporary relief for these symptoms, if the pain persists for more than a few days, it is essential to visit a healthcare provider for professional assessment and a tailored approach. Dr. Barber can provide the best dry needling shoulder treatment for fast and lasting relief.
Shoulder pain can significantly impact both personal and professional life, making even routine daily activities challenging. Dr. Barber’s dry needling is trusted by many for the best shoulder pain treatment due to several key reasons:
