Dry Needling: What Is It and Is It Right for You?
Dry needling is a treatment where thin, sterile needles are inserted into trigger points (tight muscle knots) to relieve pain and promote healing in musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions.
Overworked or inflamed muscles can become stuck in a contracted position, leading to pain and dysfunction. Dry needling helps reset the muscle, allowing it to relax and function properly again.
How is it different from Acupuncture?
Dry needling is not acupuncture. While acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on balancing energy (Qi), dry needling is a modern, evidence-based technique specifically aimed at treating muscle and tissue dysfunction.
How does it work?
The needles create tiny lesions in the tight muscle tissue, which helps break up knots, reduce inflammation, and normalize pain responses. This process promotes the body's natural healing and relieves pain.
Dry needling is performed by certified professionals using sterile, disposable needles. It's a safe and common treatment option.
Conditions treated:
Dry needling is effective for conditions like muscle strains & spasms, tendinitis, headaches, migraines, jaw pain (TMJ), sciatica, and plantar fasciitis, among others.
Is it painful?
- The needles are very thin and flexible, minimizing discomfort. You may feel a brief twitch or mild aching, which is normal and indicates the treatment is working.
- After treatment, many patients feel immediate relief and improved mobility. Some may experience mild soreness for 1-2 days or light bruising at the needling sites.
*Dry needling is a cash-based service due to the specialized training required for our physical therapists to perform this technique.
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