Dry Needling Therapy is a type of physical therapy that uses a thin needle to cause a healing response in the body. It is used to treat muscle pain, break down scar tissue, and treat soft tissue imbalances. It has been used successfully by physical therapists and chiropractors for years to help their patients live pain-free, productive lives.
Needling decreases muscle hypertonicity. It can also enhance the range of motion of damaged joints. However, most physiotherapists use this technique to cure myofascial pain. The needles stimulate damaged myofascial tissue and help patients eliminate sensations like muscle aching, soreness, etc. Physiotherapists assess patients based on how much myofascial pain they experience. Then, they determine how deep the needles go inside their skin and how long they stay there.
Dry needling therapy can be performed in various ways to target different body areas and address specific conditions. Here are the most common types of dry-needling techniques:
Trigger-point dry needling involves inserting special needles into highly sensitive areas of muscles or tissues called trigger points. These areas often contain tight knots of muscle tissue that can be extremely painful. By stimulating the muscle with the needle, physiotherapists can release the tension and alleviate the pain.
Superficial dry needling is a technique that involves inserting needles into the skin, but not too deeply. Physiotherapists often employ the superficial dry needling technique when treating sensitive areas of the body, like the muscles in the lower back.
Deep dry needling is used to treat long-standing spine-related conditions. In this technique, physiotherapists use longer needles to access and manipulate deeper muscle tissues causing pain. This allows them to effectively target and treat the root cause of the patient's symptoms.
By understanding the differences between these dry-needling techniques, you can work with your physiotherapist to determine the best approach for your needs and conditions.
This therapy technique can help patients suffering from acute or chronic pain, irrespective of the issue. Dry needling therapy is extremely helpful in treating back pain, plantar fasciitis, back pain, and other neuromusculoskeletal issues. Some direct advantages of this therapy include the following:
Dry needling is a versatile physical therapy technique that can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility for various musculoskeletal conditions. It is an effective treatment for a variety of conditions, including:
If you're experiencing any of these conditions, dry needling therapy may be a safe and effective treatment option to consider. Consult a licensed physical therapist to learn whether dry needling suits your needs and condition.
This physical therapy should be avoided by patients who suffer from -
The most common side effect of professional dry needling is soreness in the treated muscles. This usually lasts a day or two, after which the area should start to feel looser and more mobile. Despite this temporary discomfort, many people find that the benefits experienced from dry needling therapy outweigh the initial soreness.
One way to ensure you get the most out of your professional dry-needling therapy is to listen to the body and be aware of any changes after treatment. Speak with your physical therapist about any changes or concerns you might have so that your therapy can be adjusted as needed. Additionally, make sure to follow up with any stretches or exercises your physical therapist may have recommended getting the most benefit from your therapy.
The cost of professional dry needling will vary depending on the spot being treated and the session duration. Generally, professional dry needling is covered by most insurance plans. However, it is important to check with your provider to ensure that dry needling is covered.
In summary, professional dry needling could be the solution for you if you're looking for a safe and effective way to reduce pain and inflammation and speed up your recovery from musculoskeletal conditions. It can also help with scar tissue, circulation, and range of motion. It's important to seek an experienced physical therapist to perform the treatment and discuss insurance coverage and the number of sessions needed based on your needs. Don't hesitate to ask your physical therapist for more information on how professional dry needling can benefit you.
If you want to alleviate your pain and improve your mobility, schedule a consultation with our physical therapist today to explore your options and determine the best suitable course of treatment for your needs.