Dry Needling

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a treatment that involves a very thin needle being pushed through the skin in order to stimulate a trigger point. This form of alternative therapy is used to release tight muscle bands that are associated with trigger point, or hard "knots" within a muscle that can cause pain over a large area. Sometimes these trigger points (or even muscle spasms) can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks because there is pain every time the area is touched, and the pain can even radiate to nearby areas of the body.

How Does Dry Needling Work?

The solid filament needle used in dry needling allows the physical therapist to target tissues that are not manually palpable. When using dry needling techniques for the treatment of trigger points, the physical therapist will palpate the target muscle for a taut band (or area of tense muscles) and identify the hyperirritable spot, thereby confirming the trigger point that needs to be treated.

What is Dry Needling Able to Treat?

Dry needling involves using a thin filiform needle to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points, muscular and connective tissues in order to relieve pain and movement impairments. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, trigger points have been identified in numerous diagnoses, including:

  • Migraines
  • Tension-type headaches
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Computer-related disorders
  • Whiplash associated disorders
  • Spinal dysfunction
  • Tendonitis
  • Joint dysfunction

Top 3 Dry Needling Benefits

1. Reduces Pain

Several studies have demonstrated immediate or short-term improvements in pain or disability by targeting trigger points with dry needling. Dry needling significantly reduced pain by targeting specific trigger points.

2. Improves Movement

Research shows that patients undergoing dry needling therapy, in conjunction with movement-based therapy, experience more fluid movement. Dry needling does not cause functional weakness and reduced range of motion immediately after treatment.

3. Speeds Up the Recovery Process

Patients who undergo dry needling therapy experience less pain quickly; in fact, most patients feel the benefits immediately after their first treatment. Patient function is restored much more quickly when dry needling is incorporated as part of the total treatment package.

Interested in learning more about dry needling?
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