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Dry Needling

An alternative treatment for healing, reducing pain, and improving your function.

Dry Needling

Is a highly effective form of physical therapy for the treatment of a multitude of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions. It is not appropriate for every condition or pathology. Ask your physical therapist if this could be effective for you.

How Does it Work?

It is based on neuro-anatomy and modern scientific study of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. A very fine filament needle is inserted through the skin and into the deeper tissues where there is dysfunction and trigger points of pain.

The mechanism of action for dry needling is the creation of a micro lesion within the pathological tissue, breaking up shortened tissues, inhibiting a reflex arc from the nervous system to the tissue, inducing a mild inflammatory response and centrally mediating the pain and reduces muscle tension and tightness.

The effect provides and environment that enhances the body's ability to heal and restore tissue function, ultimately improving your overall function and pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Conditions Can be Treated?

Conditions include, but are not limited to neck, back, and shoulder pain, arm pain (tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, carpal tunnel), headache including migraine's and tension-type headaches, jaw pain, buttock pain and leg pain (sciatica, hamstring and calf strains/tightness/spasms).

Are the Needles Sterile?

Yes, we only use sterile disposable needles.

Is the Procedure Painful?

The fine filament needle is very thin, solid, and flexible that allows for the needling to be pushed through the skin versus cutting the skin. This helps reduce any discomfort that may occur with the procedure. A local twitch response may be felt once the needle is in the pathological tissue, but this sensation is normal and felt for less than a second.

Many patients describe this twitch response as a little electric shock; others feel it more like a cramping sensation. The local twitch is a good and desirable response.

Your physical therapist will make every effort to make your experience comfortable and therapeutic.

How Will I Feel After the Dry Needling Treatment?

This will vary, but many patients experience some immediate relief of their symptoms and an increase in range of motion. Soreness can also be a common response from the needling, but does not occur with all people. Some individuals may experience a delayed soreness the next day.

Mild bruising may occur at the needling site and is more prevalent at certain parts of the body.

Will I Continue to do Exercises or Receive other Treatments?

Yes, your personalized physical therapy program will still integrate traditional physical therapy methods including manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, endurance training, stabilization and posture training.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

This will depend on the category you fit in, which is determined by the state of the injury and your overall health. Remember we are attempting to cause mechanical and biochemical changes without any pharmacological means. Therefore, we are looking for a cumulative response to break the pain cycle, which may take several treatment sessions (Studies have shown that best responding group of individuals may reach therapeutic levels in 6 sessions).

What Should I do to Prepare for Treatment?

Should be hydrated but with an empty bladder because you want to minimize movement while the needles are inserted. Wear Loose fitting clothing, shorts, or bathing suit for access to your painful areas

What Should or Can I do After Treatment, Should I Avoid Anything?

Our recommendations vary depending on the amount of soreness you have and on the individual response to the treatment. Recommendations may include increasing your water intake, applying heat or ice over the area, gentle stretches and modifications of activities.