Dry needling is an evidence-based technique that’s rapidly gaining recognition in hand rehabilitation — yet it’s often overlooked in favor of more traditional treatments such as manual therapy, exercises, and splinting.
So, what exactly is dry needling, and how can it help people struggling with hand pain or dysfunction? Let’s explore this modern therapeutic approach and why more hand therapists are incorporating it into their treatment plans.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a specialised procedure performed by trained healthcare professionals. It involves inserting thin, sterile needles into myofascial trigger points — tight, sensitive areas within muscles — to help relieve pain, improve movement, and restore normal function.
Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is based on modern anatomical and neurophysiological principles.
Why Use Dry Needling in Hand Therapy?
The hand is a remarkably intricate structure made up of small muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Even minor dysfunction can significantly affect everyday activities. Dry needling can complement traditional hand therapy techniques by addressing deeper muscular issues that may not respond fully to manual therapy or exercise alone.
1. Pain Relief
Trigger points in the forearm and hand muscles can refer pain locally or to other parts of the arm. When the needle precisely targets a trigger point, it often elicits a local twitch response—a brief, involuntary contraction of the muscle fibers. This twitch response helps release tension within the muscle and deactivate the trigger point, often resulting in rapid pain relief and improved comfort.
2. Increased Range of Motion
Tight muscles and soft tissue restrictions can limit joint mobility. By releasing deep muscle tension and reducing trigger point activity, dry needling can enhance flexibility and movement, making it easier for patients to perform therapeutic exercises and daily tasks.
3. Improved Muscle Activation
Following injury or surgery, some hand and forearm muscles may not engage effectively due to pain or disuse. Dry needling may help “reset” muscle activation, promoting better control and coordination during rehabilitation.
4. Reduced Inflammation and Swelling
Intramuscular stimulation triggers a local healing response, encouraging tissue repair and reducing inflammation — especially helpful for conditions such as tendonitis or overuse injuries.
Common Hand Conditions Treated with Dry Needling
Dry needling can assist with a wide range of hand and upper limb conditions, including:
- Tennis or golfer’s elbow (lateral/medial epicondylitis)
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
- Hand and wrist pain from overuse
- Post-operative stiffness
Is Dry Needling Safe?
When performed by certified practitioners, dry needling is generally safe and well-tolerated. Some people experience mild muscle soreness or a cramping sensation afterward — similar to post-exercise soreness — but these effects are temporary. Serious side effects are very rare.
A Complement, Not a Standalone Solution
Dry needling works best as part of a comprehensive hand therapy program that includes splinting, manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, neuromuscular retraining, and education.
Interested in learning more?
Book an appointment with one of our experienced hand therapists to see whether dry needling could be right for you.
Merivale Hand Clinic
📍 208 Papanui Road, Christchurch
📞 Tel: 03 355 9775
📧 Email: office@merivalehandclinic.co.nz
🌐 Website: www.merivalehandclinic.co.nz
