What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a treatment involving the insertion of fine filiform needles into areas of myofascial trigger points. This technique can only be performed by qualified, professional physical therapists, chiropractors, and other doctors certified in practicing the technique.
Needles are inserted into the skin and muscle targeting areas of hyperirritability and tension. The intent is to target myofascial trigger points that may be causing pain, decreased mobility, and/or weakness. An immediate response to dry needling may be a local twitch which may help to improve muscle length and tension.
Dry needling is considered a valuable and skilled treatment technique which has shown to have immediate effects on pain, mobility and function. It is commonly used for conditions that may result in chronic muscle pain and tightness such as tendinitis and/or strain.
At JAG Physical Therapy, our team members are regional experts in dry needling, offering tailored treatment plans specific to your needs.
Reach out to us to learn more, schedule your appointment, or find a JAG PT location near you in New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania.
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How Does Dry Needling Work?
In short, it works by stimulating your brain when the needles are gently pierced through your myofascial trigger points. Myofascial is just an intelligent way of saying chronic muscular pain disorder. In plain English, it’s a pain caused by muscle irritation.
Is Dry Needling Painful?
Dry needling is considered to be painless by many. Why? The insertion of the needles doesn’t hurt because they’re pretty sharp and thin. It’s similar to getting blood drawn or a shot. Quick and painless.
Naturally, you’ll twitch when the needles pierce through your skin. Your muscles will slightly ache or become sore for a day or two after your session. The after feeling is similar to the soreness experienced after an intense workout.
What are the Benefits of Dry Needling?
- Hip pain
- Neck pain
- Knee pain
- Shoulder pain
- Elbow pain
- Lower back pain
- Myofascial pain
Inserting a sharp, thin needle into your body’s trigger points relaxes the muscles, boosts blood flow, diminishes inflammation, and triggers a healing response.
Dry needling aims for trigger points in the muscles and tissue to help soothe and relieve tension. This prevents headaches and helps ease the pressure caused by headaches.
Using the dry needling technique as treatment can loosen stiff muscles, ease joint pain, and improve blood flow and oxygen circulation within your body.
Dry needling helps reduce muscle tension and relieves pain. Twitching (from the needle piercing one of your trigger points) is a clear sign that the therapy is working.
Dry needling helps calm soreness. This means a specially trained physical therapist who knows the art, uses thin needles to release muscle tightness, ease tendonitis and inflammation while promoting healing.
Common Conditions Treated with Dry Needling
- Muscle strains
- Chronic muscle pain/trigger points
- Shoulder impingement/tendinitis
- Lateral/medial epicondylitis
- Myofascial neck pain
- Headaches
- Myofascial low back pain
- Hip impingement/tendinitis
- Knee tendinitis
- Achilles tendinitis
What is the Recovery Time?
It depends. However, most of the time, mobility is immediate, and decreased pain is felt within 24-to-48 hours. After undergoing needling treatment, you can expect to feel slightly sore. It’s natural.
Normally, it may take a few treatment sessions (once a week for 2-3 weeks) for a long-lasting, noticeable impact.
How Long Do the Effects Last?
We can’t say for sure or give you an exact number because the lasting beneficial effects are different for everyone.
There are too many variables, such as:
- Your age
- Severity Level
- Treatment Frequency
- The cause of the pain
And so on. The first few treatments usually have a short length of pain relief, spanning over several days.
Start Your Dry Needling Treatment as Soon as You Can, with JAG PT
JAG Physical Therapy’s dry needling specialists are highly experienced and trained to help patients. We’re available in your area to provide the treatment you need for a healthier, more active, and pain free life.
Find a dry needling specialist at a JAG PT location near you and get back the quality of life you love. You can also book an appointment here. To learn more about JAG PT or find answers to any questions you might have, reach out to our team today.
