What Does Dry Needling Help?
Dry needling is a technique used to relieve muscle pain and stiffness. It involves inserting needles into trigger points, which are tight bands of irritable muscle tissue caused by injury, overuse or improper movement patterns. Learn more about dry needling and its benefits.
Improved Mobility
Dry needling, when performed correctly, creates an environment that encourages healing within the body. Not only does it reduce pain and increase mobility, but research has demonstrated its efficacy in treating various musculoskeletal issues as well. A 2017 study revealed that patients who combined physical therapy and dry needling experienced significant improvements in range of motion as well as significant pain relief.
Reduced Pain
Dry needling is a safe, non-invasive pain management technique used to target knotted muscles or trigger points. These hypersensitive spots can be the source of chronic discomfort that affects movement, motor patterns, and muscle function. Trigger points are tight muscle fibers that can develop after injury or overuse. They have been linked to a variety of conditions, from low back and neck pain to joint pain and overuse injuries.
Reduced Inflammation
Dry needling is a non-drug alternative for treating trigger points and other musculoskeletal pain. It helps reduce inflammation, improve muscle strength and mobility, as well as function. According to clinical rehabilitation manager Adam Kimberly, needles cause micro tears in skin and tissue which prompt your body’s natural defenses to take action, bringing nutrient-rich blood and stimulating tissue repair. This helps reduce swelling and restore nutrient delivery to the affected area.
Increased Flexibility
Dry needling, a specialized technique, provides muscle pain and tightness by targeting trigger points in the muscle. Over time, these points may develop into larger areas of the body causing referred discomfort elsewhere. Traditional acupuncture requires needles to be inserted into specific acupoints, while dry needling utilizes fine needles to target myofascial trigger points (TrPs) throughout the body. As your trigger point becomes less sensitive, it allows your muscles to stretch more freely than before. This increased flexibility also enhances your range of motion.
Gena Thurston, DPT and CIDN from Steve Kravitz Physical Therapy says dry needling can be an effective treatment for many common physical issues. She notes that it may be particularly helpful for individuals suffering from musculoskeletal pain such as TMJ issues, migraines or headaches or those living with chronic conditions like tendonitis. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, dry needling might be the solution for you.
Are you ready to experience the benefits of dry needling? Visit our home page to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment with our team of specialists. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to assist you.
