dry needling

 
 

What is Dry Needling?

It is a highly effective form of Physical Therapy utilizing fine filament needles for the treatment of a multitude of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions.

A very thin ‘acupuncture’ needle is inserted through the skin and into the tissues your Physical Therapist has diagnosed as the sources of your pain.

Needling will create several physiological responses.

It inhibits a reflex arc from the nervous system to the muscle tissue and will make active trigger points (knots) release.

Needle insertion stimulates an immune system response opening blood vessels and sending blood cells to the area to promote healing.

With chronic tension and after injury some nerves remain in a state of heightened excitability. It has been shown that stimulation of the nervous system with dry needling can help restore a balance to the nerves, centrally mediating the pain and normalizing the bodies inflammatory response.

This mechanical and neuromuscular effect provides an environment that enhances the body’s ability to heal which ultimately reduces pain.

What conditions can it help?

Although not limited to the following dry needling has proven to be very beneficial in treatment of:

  • Neck pain

  • Back pain

  • Headaches

  • TMJ

  • Tennis Elbow

  • Sciatica

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

  • Restless Leg syndrome

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Frozen shoulder

  • Chronic muscular tension

How is Dry Needling different from acupuncture?

Although we use acupuncture needles dry needling utilizes modern scientific evidence based research of the physiological response of the musculoskeletal and neurological to needling of muscles, fascia, ligaments and tendons. Unlike acupuncture dry needling is not based on a system of Chinese medicine addressing energy flow within meridians for the treatment of disease.

Does it hurt?

There is some sensation that patients often described as a pinch or pressure. Sometimes we elicit a twitch in the muscle that is not painful but very beneficial in releasing tension. The Physical Therapist will sometimes utilize some electrical stimulation with the needling that feels like a tapping sensation. After dry needling some people have a little soreness in the area treated, this is normal and short lived. If this is the case we recommend you apply heat to the area and it usually only lasts a few hours.

How many times will I have to come?

This depends on your body’s response to the needling and the chronicity of your issue. Most patients notice benefit within the first 24-48 hours.

Is Dry Needling safe?

Dry needling is a very safe procedure utilizing sterile needles. As Physical Therapists we are experts in anatomy and biomechanics. To practice dry needling you have to have extensive post graduate education and a dry needling certification. We understand the anatomy of the body and importantly which areas to avoid when needling.