What Is Dry Needling?
Physical therapists with the appropriate training can provide the skilled technique of dry needling as part of a patient’s treatment plan. Using a thin, solid filament needle to penetrate the skin, the goal is to create a local twitch response (LTR) in the muscle to cause a spontaneous contraction and relaxation of muscle fibers.
This has been shown to normalize the mechanical, electrical and biochemical components of muscles with myofascial dysfunction. Dry needling is different than acupuncture and is based on Western neuroanatomy and modern scientific study of the musculoskeletal system.
Who Benefits from Dry Needling?
This service is beneficial to many patients, including those with:
- Entrapment syndromes: piriformis syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome
- Sprain/strain injuries: hamstring, adductor, cervical, thoracic, low back
- Tendinitis: rotator cuff tendinitis, medial/lateral epicondylitis, bicipital tendinitis, trochanteric bursitis, iliotibial band syndrome, patellar tendinitis, Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis
- Frozen shoulder and other joint restrictions
- Chronic pain conditions: complex regional pain syndrome [CRPS], fibromyalgia
- Chronic tension type headaches
- Compartment syndrome
Recommendation’s Before Treatment?
- Workout and/or stretch
- Participate in normal physical activity
- Massage the area
- Use heat or ice as preferred for post-treatment soreness
- If you have prescriptions medications, continue to take them as prescribed
What Should I Avoid After Treatment?
- Unfamiliar physical activities or sports
- Doing more than you normally do
- Excessive alcohol intake
Do insurance plans cover dry needling?
For insurance information, please contact our office if you have questions.