Wondering if dry needling is for you? It may sound intimidating but dry needling is a safe and often effective technique for those with certain musculoskeletal presentations. Dry needling is a modern technique performed by physical therapists who are certified in the procedure. A thin monofilament is tapped under the skin and into the muscle, to release a trigger point which may be causing underlying pain and movement impairments. What exactly is a trigger point? A trigger point is a bundle of muscle fibers that become adhered in the muscle, think of it as a deep muscular knot, which can cause pain and movement impairments. The dry needle once inserted, causes an increase in blood flow to the area which can release the trigger point, decrease localized and referred pain and reduce the tightness of the local muscle.

What To Expect:

Your physical therapist will clean the site with alcohol. A small, sterile, disposable needle will be inserted through the skin and into the muscle to target the trigger point. This can cause the muscle to twitch. Most people feel little to no pain as the needle is inserted. A session usually takes 15-30 minutes and patients typically experience pain relief lasting from a few hours to a few weeks. It may take more than one treatment to have lasting results.  This treatment is often used in conjunction with other techniques to decrease pain and restore function.

This treatment can be beneficial for people experiencing a variety of ailments, including:

• Pain Relief
• Improved Range of Motion
• Improved Function

Symptoms Addressed:

• Acute and Chronic Injuries
• Back Pain & Sciatica
• Neck Pain & Headaches
• Muscle Spasm & Muscle Strains
• Hip/Knee pain
• Shoulder Pain
• Plantar Fasciitis

Potential Side Effects:

• Soreness
• Bruising at the site