Dry Needling Therapy
Dry Needling is a very effective medical treatment for pain. The technique uses a “dry” needle, one without medication or injection, inserted through the skin into areas of the muscle, known as trigger points.
Dry needling is not acupuncture, a practice based on traditional Chinese medicine and performed by acupuncturists. Dry needling performed by doctors of physical therapy is based on Western neuroanatomy and modern scientific study of the musculo-skeletal and nervous systems.
What is a "trigger point"? A "trigger point" is a hyper-irritable point in a muscle that is associated with a hypersensitive, palpable nodule, or “knot." This area becomes painful at the site, often radiating in predictable patterns.
Does it hurt? A healthy muscle feels very little discomfort with insertion of this needle. However if the muscle is sensitive and shortened, or has active trigger points within it, the subject will feel a sensation like a muscle cramp (the "twitch" response).
Who can benefit from dry needling? Almost anyone experiencing a variety of pain problems including, but not limited to:
Acute/chronic injuries
Headaches
Neck/back pain
Tendinitis
Muscle spasms
Sciatica
Hip/knee pain
Muscle strains
Fibromyalgia
Overuse injuries
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Tennis/golf elbow
Shoulder and scapula problems
Repetitive stress injuries
Joint pain and dysfunction
Plantar fasciitis
Bursitis
Are there any side effects to Dry Needling? Side effects may vary among individuals. Typically, only mild muscle soreness or skin bruising is experienced.