Dry Needling

What is dry needling?
Dry Needling is a treatment technique often used by physical therapists to relieve pain. It requires using a sterile acupuncture needle that is inserted through the skin into muscles, tendons, ligaments, and/or close to nerves to immediately reduce pain, decrease muscle tension and increase mobility. Dry Needling is not acupuncture; it is based on a modern scientific study of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. It is strictly based on Western medicine principles and research. This treatment technique provides an environment that enhances the body’s ability to heal which ultimately reduces pain.

What can be treated by dry needling?
Dry Needling can be used for a variety of musculoskeletal problems.Dry Needling combined with advanced manual therapy techniques have shown success treating most pain related problems from head to toe and from acute to chronic conditions.

Also Dry Needling can be used to help athletes overcome delayed onset muscle soreness. As athletes push the envelope to become bigger and faster or to reach new goals, recovery becomes an essential phase in the process. Often times dry needling can be used to speed up this recovery time and allow the athlete to return to training or to playing as soon as possible.

Is dry needling painful?
For most people there is little to no discomfort with the insertion of the needle. We strive to make the treatment virtually painless however, at times, you may experience a “twitch response” which often feels like a quick muscle cramp or ache. These sensations are normal and even desirable at times. Following this technique muscle soreness can be felt up to 24-48 hours. The application of heat or ice and drinking plenty of fluids usually reduces the soreness.