Home Care Tips after Acupuncture
3 Home Care Tips After Acupuncture
My patients always ask: what can or should I do after acupuncture or dry needling?
I like to explain two primary effects of acupuncture (dry needling) in the realm of acupuncture sports medicine. First inserting a needle into muscle or any tissue is a micro-trauma to the tissue, and the body responds to that stimulus by releasing a cascade of biochemical reactions, including the release of anti-inflammatory substances and the promotion of tissue healing. So as with any sort of stimulus or trauma, however small it may be, it is always best to listen to your body. You will know best if the area or muscles feel sore, tender or swollen. Secondly, when we needling inhibited muscles, we are stimulating muscle activation, an increase blood flow and neuromuscular re-education. You can think of this as though your weak and under performing muscles are getting a work out. This may also lead to new sensations or soreness after the acupuncture.
It is normal and to be expected to experience some level of tenderness or soreness after trigger point release style of acupuncture (aka dry needling). Some people might be sore for 3 hours while others might be for 2 days. It all depends on the condition of your muscle, the needle technique used, and your constitution. The soreness is part of the natural tissue response.
Home Care after Acupuncture
MOVEMENT. Moving is better than being stationary.- almost always, right. Especially if we are working on activating inhibited muscles, it will be a good idea to use those muscles after your treatment. I don’t mean a huge run or bike ride, but an easy walk or an easy ride, even house chores, just to get the blood moving and the muscles activated now that they have been stimulated so that they can create new neural pathways. It is also a good time to do any rehab exercises you might have as long as there is no discomfort.
HEAT. Applying heat after your treatment and in between treatments is a fantastic tool for increasing local blood flow to your injury (assuming it is not in the acute stage), easing any soreness as well as continuing the healing process. With blood comes healing.
STRETCHING. Stretching after trigger point acupuncture can enhance the treatment by continuing to improve range of motion, lessen the muscle soreness by relaxing and elongating the muscle fibers, and aid in the increase in proprioception. Remember to be cautious to not overstretch especially if you are dealing with an injury. Avoid stretching to the point of discomfort.
