Needles are an underrated apparatus in the medical industry. Millions of needles are used in syringes to administer injections such as vaccinations and stitch cuts or injuries. But other treatments use needles as the main tool to treat specific problems or ailments in the body.
Here are three treatments in the health and wellness industry that mainly use needles.
Warning: This article discusses treatments that mainly utilize needles and how such procedures are done. If you are afraid of needles, it’s best to skip the article.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is a procedure that uses needles to help relieve your muscles from pain. This treatment is often used for people who suffer from muscle and skeletal pain and have issues with movement. It could typically be part of a more effective treatment for specific conditions.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
A licensed healthcare provider inserts specific needles in dry needling through the patient’s skin. The needles are thin, with a sharp edge guaranteed to penetrate the skin easily. This variety of needles differs from the one used for syringes. The procedure term describes the type of needle used; said apparatus is without medicine, hence the term “dry.”
The needles are penetrated towards trigger points in your body. These areas in your muscles are sensitive and can cause particular bodily pain or is close to the source of the pain. Such trigger points are caused by injury, poor posture, and more. With dry needling, the needles can help remove muscle tension and even trigger endorphins to relieve pain further.
Due to the sensitivity of the trigger points, it may or may not hurt. It could feel prickly, depending on the particular muscle pain you have. Treatability can also depend on your condition; one session could help relieve you immediately or take more. It can also be done alongside other treatments as suggested or prescribed by a physician.
Not anyone can just do the practice too. Dry needling can be a delicate process, so one has to be licensed to do the procedure. Individuals have to undergo a course and get a certification.
Such courses are generally available worldwide; particularly anywhere there’s a dry needling service. Wherever one is, you could encounter offers for a dry needling course melbourne, New York, or any other city in the world has to offer, if you are interested.
Exceptions
While dry needling is generally safe and effective, not everyone can try it. Certain people are at risk, such as pregnant women, those who just had surgery, and more. People who fear needles may not want to go through this.
Microneedling
Microneedling is a medical and cosmetic procedure where needles are pricked to the skin, usually to the face, and occasionally in other parts of the body. This is typically done to reduce acne scars, pores, wrinkles, and stretch marks. Cosmetic surgeons or dermatologists are the ones who usually perform it.
How is Microneedling Done?
Microneedling is done by using sterilized needles to puncture the skin. It is also known as collagen induction therapy, as the process helps stimulate collagen due to the holes made from the punctures. These holes allow your body to heal, producing collagen and elastin.
Collagen and elastin are two proteins that play an essential role in the skin. Both of them are responsible for making your skin firm and flexible. Microneedling encourages the stimulation of these proteins to provide you with beautiful skin.
Furthermore, besides the cosmetic benefit of microneedling, one can also use it for medical purposes. Professionals also utilize microneedling to help treat people who suffer from alopecia areata, a condition that makes a person lose body hair, and hyperhidrosis, where one sweat too much than the body normally should.
Exceptions
Not everyone can undergo microneedling. Even when it’s generally not that invasive, it is recommended to have a qualified medical professional do it. Moreover, it can have side effects such as bleeding. People who have health conditions involving problems with wounding or bleeding, like diabetes, may not be the best persons to undergo microneedling.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is probably the most well-known among the three treatments. Like the two other treatments, acupuncture is a procedure where thin, sharp needles are punctured into the body. This is also the oldest known one, which dates back thousands of years in ancient China.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
The purpose of acupuncture, according to traditional Chinese medicine, is to balance one’s life force. Despite generally being considered pseudoscience, western medicine still recommends using acupuncture as part of treatments to help certain conditions. They discovered that these procedures stimulate the central nervous system, muscles, and tissues and have successfully helped patients with their conditions.
A qualified acupuncturist performs acupuncture. One would have to have a master’s degree and units in acupuncture to be one. Moreover, the needles used in the procedure are sterilized and regulated to ensure safety.
People who undergo acupuncture typically feel little pain during the insertion of needles. Furthermore, the procedure can be more than just the needles. Sometimes, the needles could also be heated, or minimal electric current could be used.
While not many people are convinced of the effects of acupuncture, it has helped many patients struggling with conditions like muscle pain, headaches, menstrual cramps, and more. Many people have reported feeling a lot better and more relaxed afterward.
Exceptions
Despite the positive results brought by acupuncture, it is not for everyone. Specific risks are present for pregnant people, with a pacemaker, or with disorders or illnesses involving bleeding problems.
To Sum it Up
Needles make for an unlikely means of treating people with various conditions. But while proven effective, it would help to consult with a qualified medical professional if you can undergo either of the three treatments.
Read Also
- Why Your Bed is Key to Rest and Recovery
A good night’s sleep is essential for your health and well-being, yet many people underestimate the role that their bed plays in ensuring quality rest. From improving physical recovery to enhancing mental clarity, the right bed is more than just a place to sleep—it’s the foundation of a restorative routine. Here’s why your bed matters… Read more: Why Your Bed is Key to Rest and Recovery - Preparing for International Travel: Christmas Translation of Medical DocumentsWhen preparing for international travel during the holiday season, it’s essential to consider the necessary steps for a smooth and safe journey—especially when it comes to medical matters. The importance of preparing your medical documents for translation cannot be overstated. Whether you’re traveling for business, leisure, or to participate in a clinical trial, ensuring your… Read more: Preparing for International Travel: Christmas Translation of Medical Documents
- Best General Use Gloves for Restaurants & Catering BusinessesDeciding on the menu, stocking up the pantry with the essentials, and making sure the food is top-notch are all keys to running a successful restaurant or catering business. But your duties don’t end there. One thing—seemingly small yet important—people in the food service industry often overlook is safety. And when it comes to safety,… Read more: Best General Use Gloves for Restaurants & Catering Businesses
- Smile Brighter: Your Path to Lasting Dental HealthMaintaining oral health is crucial for overall well-being. Good dental habits give you a healthy smile and prevent severe health conditions. This comprehensive guide outlines effective practices and essential knowledge to keep your teeth and gums in excellent condition. The Importance of Dental Hygiene Dental hygiene goes beyond brushing your teeth. It encompasses a range… Read more: Smile Brighter: Your Path to Lasting Dental Health
- Six Symptoms that Warrant a Visit to a Boise NeurosurgeonA neurosurgeon specializes in the human nervous system. Typically, they concentrate on the spinal cord and brain within this system. They can expertly manage neurological problems including brain tumors, brain surgery, and bulging discs. A lot of people are living with chronic pain, but nobody deserves to live with this kind of pain. Often, patients… Read more: Six Symptoms that Warrant a Visit to a Boise Neurosurgeon
- The Science Behind Weight Loss Supplements: How They Support Your Fitness GoalsWeight loss supplements have become a prominent feature in the fitness industry, appealing to individuals eager to shed pounds and achieve their fitness goals. As consumers navigate this crowded market, it is essential to understand the science behind these supplements, their role in fitness, and how to use them effectively. This article aims to provide… Read more: The Science Behind Weight Loss Supplements: How They Support Your Fitness Goals
