Dry Needling is a skilled technique performed using the insertion of a thin filament needle to penetrate the skin and underlying tissues as a treatment method to manipulate tissues of the body to correct nerve interference.
Research supports that dry needling improves pain control, reduces muscle tension, normalizes biochemical and electrical dysfunction of motor end plates, and facilitates an accelerated return to active rehabilitation. A variety of musculoskeletal conditions typically respond well to dry needling. Conditions include: plantar fasciitis, headaches, neck/back pain, tendinitis, acute/chronic injuries, muscle spasms, sciatica, hip/knee pain, muscle strains, “tennis/golfer’s elbow”, overuse injuries, and trigger points.
A trigger point is a hyperirritable area, a nodule which can be felt as taut bands in the skeletal muscles fascia. Direct compression can cause a twitch, or jump, local tenderness , and referred pain usually responds with a pattern from a distant spot.
Using sterile, disposable needles, our Provider inserts the tip of the needle into a trigger point. When the needle tip hits a nodule/(trigger point) an involuntary twitch happens in the muscle. This response is the most important part of releasing or deactivating the trigger point, because it confirms the source of dysfunction or pain.
For many patients the improvement in mobility is immediate. Typically, it will take a few treatment sessions for a lasting positive effect. The area is usually sore for 1-2 days, but its tolerable and can be relieved with cold packs and stretching. As the treatment period ends most patients find that the change is permanent.