Dry Needling During Pregnancy and Postpartum
It’s no secret that the pregnancy and postpartum periods have a tendency to sprinkle a few aches and pains into the days of the wonderful souls both growing and caring for tiny humans. Finding safe and effective treatment options during these times is essential for the well-being of both the mother and baby. Dry needling is a technique that has gained popularity in recent years for its ability to alleviate pain and improve function. Great new is, when performed by a qualified provider such as Dr. Dani, a Denver based perinatal chiropractor, it’s a safe and effective technique! Dr. Dani sees amazing results from dry needling during pregnancy and postpartum, especially when combined with other modalities such as myofascial release, craniosacral myofascial release, adjusting (when necessary), and exercise recommendations.
What is dry needling and how does it work?
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique that involves the insertion of thin, solid needles into specific areas of the body, known as trigger points. These trigger points are hyperirritable spots within the muscle tissue that can contribute to pain, muscle tension, and dysfunction.
The process of dry needling aims to stimulate these trigger points, causing a local twitch response in the muscle - which feels like a quick muscle spasm. This response helps to release the tension and restore proper muscle function. Unlike traditional acupuncture, which focuses on the flow of energy (qi) through the body's meridians, dry needling is based on Western medical principles and targets the musculoskeletal system directly. Functional Dry Needling has been shown to increase blood flow to the area which promotes healing, decreases pain sensitivity in the area needled and surrounding tissues, “resets” the firing pattern of the targeted tissue, and decreases inflammatory markers.
Safety considerations for dry needling during pregnancy
While dry needling is generally considered a safe and effective treatment option for pregnant women, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind. Dr. Dani has additional training in dry needling during the pregnancy and postpartum periods, has been working with the perinatal population for over 10 years, and has been dry needling for over 3 years. These combined skills (along with an extremely conservative approach) allow for a wider understanding and knowledge in techniques to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby. Here are a few basic considerations for dry needling during the pregnancy and postpartum periods:
Dry Needling During Pregnancy:
Dr. Dani does not dry needle during the first trimester of pregnancy
Precaution is used and certain areas are avoided if there’s been a history of preterm labor
Dr. Dani does NOT needle any areas in the mid back, low back, or abdomen during pregnancy
Dry Needling Postpartum:
There is NO dry needling performed to any connected areas for the first 0-6 weeks postpartum
This basically means that we avoid the low back, pelvis, upper thigh, and abdominal regions
Other areas such as neck, upper back, shoulders, and upper extremities are in our “safety zone”
From 6-12 weeks postpartum - we can start to needle low back, thigh, and hip
Weeks 12+ postpartum- we are good to go on all areas as long as healing is going as expected
Dry Needling After a C-section:
Same rules apply as above. However, Dr. Dani does not dry needle any areas of the abdomen or scar until after week12, IF incision looks good.
Yes, Dr. Dani can needle a C-Section scar. This can help with pain relief as well as to encourage overall mobility of the tissue. This is usually performed in ADDITION to at-home mobilizations and other exercises.
Common conditions treated with dry needling during pregnancy and postpartum
Dry needling can be an effective treatment for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions that are commonly experienced during pregnancy, including:
Low back pain
Pelvic girdle pain
Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction
SI Joint (Sacroiliac Joint) Pain
Neck and shoulder tension
Headaches
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Hip Pain
Mid back tension
“Mommy Thumb”
By addressing these common musculoskeletal issues with dry needling, adjusting, and at-home exercise recommendations, pregnant women can experience a significant improvement in their quality of life and overall well-being during this important time.
Benefits of dry needling postpartum
The postpartum period can be a challenging time, both physically and emotionally, as a woman's body undergoes significant changes and adjustments. Dry needling can be a valuable tool in the postpartum recovery process, offering a range of benefits to help women regain their strength, mobility, and overall well-being.
One of the primary benefits of dry needling postpartum is its ability to alleviate pain and discomfort. Many women experience persistent muscle aches, joint pain, and other musculoskeletal issues in the weeks and months following childbirth. Dry needling can help to target the underlying trigger points responsible for this pain, providing relief and improving overall comfort.
Additionally, dry needling can play a crucial role in restoring proper muscle function and mobility. The physical demands of pregnancy and childbirth can lead to muscle imbalances, weakness, and restrictions in movement. By addressing these issues through dry needling and providing strengthening/stabilizing exercises, postpartum women can regain their strength, improve their posture, and enhance their ability to engage in physical activity and daily tasks.
The potential impact of dry needling on pregnancy and postpartum recovery
Dry needling can be a valuable tool in the management of musculoskeletal conditions during pregnancy and the postpartum period. By targeting the underlying trigger points responsible for pain, tension, and dysfunction, this treatment approach can offer significant benefits for both the mother and the baby.
While there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind, dry needling is a safe modality of care for both pregnant and postpartum women. By working with a healthcare provider who specializes in this treatment approach, women can feel confident in incorporating dry needling into their prenatal and postnatal care routine, ultimately supporting a healthier and more comfortable pregnancy and postpartum experience!