Dry Needling

What is Trigger Point Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a technique used to help patients with various issues. It is performed by a trained physical therapist using small solid filiform needles inserted into specific areas that may be causing pain, such as muscle, scar tissue, and connective tissue.

Because dry needling is used for many purposes, your physical therapist may have several reasons to implement it as part of your overall treatment plan. By inserting needles into the areas of pain, several changes occur in the neural centers of the body that control pain. There is also an increase in healthy blood at the site of dysfunction.

What Symptoms Does Dry Needling Treat?

Dry needling is most commonly used for treating myofascial pain. This involves inserting the needles into the symptomatic muscle to reduce tension and improve blood circulation. Dry needling has also been shown to help reduce muscle spasms, decrease tightness, improve inflammation, and help decrease chronic pain.

What To Expect When Getting Dry Needling

The dry needling treatment is usually painless due to how tiny the filiform needles are and how they are placed into the muscle. However, you may experience different sensations when being needled, such as muscle soreness, aching, and a muscle twitch when a needle is inserted into a tight area.

There are several different techniques that may be implemented with dry needling depending on what symptoms you may be having. After treatment, your physical therapist will likely perform other treatments or introduce new movements into your exercise routine to reduce any post-needling soreness you may experience.

Who Can Benefit From Dry Needling?

Anyone who experiences pain can benefit from dry needling. From back pain to headaches, dry needling can help treat your symptoms.

Schedule an appointment today and ask your physical therapists if dry needling could be right for you.