Wet needling is a medical procedure where a doctor or nurse injects specific substances through a needle into various tissues to treat pain and restore function. These substances can include corticosteroids, anaesthetics, sclerosants, or botulinum toxins. The target areas for these injections are muscles, ligaments, fascia, and scar tissue.
Understanding Wet Needling
Wet needling is a targeted injection technique that aims to provide relief from pain and improve mobility. Unlike dry needling, which uses needles without any injections, wet needling involves the introduction of therapeutic substances.
Substances Used in Wet Needling
The choice of substance depends on the patient's condition and the treatment goals. Here's a breakdown of the common substances used:
- Corticosteroids: These are powerful anti-inflammatory medications. They can reduce swelling and pain, particularly in conditions like arthritis or tendonitis.
- Anaesthetics: These agents provide localized pain relief by numbing the area. They are often used in conjunction with corticosteroids to provide immediate and longer-term pain relief.
- Sclerosants: These substances are used to cause the intentional collapse of blood vessels, which can help to treat issues like varicose veins.
- Botulinum Toxins: Also known as Botox, these agents relax muscles and are used for conditions where muscle spasms or tightness contribute to pain.
Targeted Areas
Wet needling can be applied to various anatomical structures to provide pain relief and improve functionality:
- Muscles: Injections into muscles help to alleviate muscle pain, spasms, or trigger points.
- Ligaments: Ligaments connect bones at joints, and injections can help to ease pain and promote healing in ligament injuries.
- Fascia: Fascia is connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles and organs; wet needling in this area can help with myofascial pain.
- Scar Tissue: Injections into scar tissue can help break up adhesions and reduce pain caused by restricted movement.
How Wet Needling Works
Wet needling works by directly delivering therapeutic substances to the site of injury or pain. The needle itself may also stimulate a healing response. Benefits include:
- Reduced Pain: The injected substances, like corticosteroids and anaesthetics, directly reduce inflammation and provide localized pain relief.
- Restored Function: By addressing the underlying issues, wet needling can help to improve range of motion and overall function.
- Targeted Treatment: The injections allow for precise targeting of affected areas, maximizing the effectiveness of the treatment.
Practical Applications
Here are some examples of when wet needling can be used:
- Tennis Elbow: Injecting corticosteroids into the tendons around the elbow can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Using local anesthetic injections into trigger points in the muscles can relieve pain.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Injecting corticosteroids into the fascia of the foot can reduce pain and inflammation.
Wet needling is a versatile procedure offering specific, localized treatments for pain and functional limitations. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional to determine if wet needling is the right treatment option for your condition.
