Dry Needling

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How Does Dry Needling Work?

During a dry needling session, thin, sterile needles are inserted into specific areas of the body known as trigger points. These trigger points are areas of increased muscle tension and tenderness that can cause pain and restricted movement. By inserting needles directly into these trigger points, physical therapists can stimulate a healing response and release muscle tension.

Benefits of Dry Needling

Pain Relief: Dry needling can help reduce pain by releasing tension in tight muscles and promoting the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers.
Improved Range of Motion: By releasing tension in muscles and improving blood flow to the affected area, dry needling can help improve range of motion and flexibility.
Enhanced Healing: Dry needling stimulates the body’s natural healing process, promoting the repair of damaged tissues and reducing inflammation.
Complementary Treatment: Dry needling can be used in conjunction with other physical therapy techniques, such as manual therapy and therapeutic exercise, to enhance the overall effectiveness of treatment.

What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session:

During a dry needling session, your physical therapist will first conduct a thorough evaluation to identify areas of muscle tightness and trigger points. They will then carefully insert thin needles into these trigger points, often causing a sensation of mild discomfort or muscle twitching. The needles are typically left in place for a short period before being removed.

Is Dry Needling Safe?

Dry needling is considered a safe and effective treatment when performed by a qualified and experienced physical therapist. The needles used are sterile and disposable, reducing the risk of infection. However, some mild side effects such as temporary soreness or bruising at the needle insertion sites may occur.

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Conditions Treated by Dry Needling

Dry needling is used to treat a variety of conditions including:

TMJ/Jaw Pain – temporomandibular joint (TMJ/TMD) disorder and pain
Head and Neck Pain – including whiplash and headaches / migraines, degenerative joint disease, degenerative disc disease or osteoarthritis
Otological (Ear) and facial Pain and tinnitus (ringing in ears)
Shoulder Pain – including rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), tendonitis/tendinopathies and impingement syndrome
Nerve pain -including radiculopathies, sciatic pain, etc
Tendinopathy and tendinitis, repetitive use/overuse conditions.
Elbow Pain – including lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)
Hand and Wrist Pain – including carpal tunnel, gamekeeper’s thumb, DeQuervain’s syndrome, CMC arthritis, degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis
Lumbar and Hip Pain – including lumbar degenerative disc disease, facet pain, joint pain, arthritic changes and pain from herniated discs
Knee Pain – including arthritis, joint pain, ligament pain and strains
Ankle / Foot/toe/lower leg Pain – including post op scars, shin splints, metatarsalgia, postop bunionectomies and Morton’s neuroma
Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)
Athletic and Sports-related Overuse Injuries
Post-traumatic Injuries, Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA), and Workers Compensation Injuries
Chronic Pain Conditions
Scar tissue adhesions

Conclusion

Dry needling is a valuable treatment option for individuals experiencing musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. By targeting trigger points and releasing muscle tension, dry needling can help alleviate pain, improve movement, and enhance overall well-being. If you’re interested in learning more about dry needling or would like to see if it’s the right treatment for you, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled physical therapists.

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