If you suffer from muscle aches, sciatica, or repetitive motion disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, pain and discomfort are probably present in your daily life. Physical therapy alone is sometimes not enough to restore your quality of life. Adding supplemental therapy, such as dry needling, could help improve your healing time and results.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a technique used in conjunction with other physical therapy treatments to reduce pain or muscle weakness at a trigger point. It is performed by inserting a sterile filament needle into a muscle. The procedure is called “dry needling” because there is no liquid inside the needle. The process involved very little or no pain, and though it may look similar to acupuncture, it is very different in nature and what it works to accomplish.
How Does Dry Needling Help Reduce Pain?
When the needle is applied to the sore muscle’s trigger point, it induces a twitch and deactivates the trigger point. This helps reduces muscle tightness and increases blood flow to the area. Because a tiny lesion is left behind, white blood cells are drawn to the area to assist in the healing process.
What Types of Problem can Dry Needling Treat?
Dry needling can be used for a variety of issues, from frozen shoulder to headaches. If the problem, or underlying problem, is associated with muscle dysfunction or a reduction in range of motion, dry needling may be beneficial as a treatment.
What Should I Expect from Dry Needling?
Needles are inserted into the muscle and, depending on the issue, are left in place for up to 15 minutes. Some patients report feeling a slight twitch or soreness while the procedure is performed. Though some experience immediate, it is common for it to take a few treatments before there is a noticeable, lasting difference. It is normal to experience some tenderness and bruising due to dry needling, but the side effects overall are generally mild.
Aches and pains are a frustrating part of life. Here at Lane Outpatient Therapy, our goal is to help you strengthen and heal so you can resume a pain-free life. Contact us today to learn more about our outpatient therapy programs.
