Dry Needling

Dry needling is a skilled intervention that uses the insertion of small, thin needles into trigger points, tendons, ligaments, or near nerves in order to stimulate a healing response in painful neuromusculoskeletal conditions and movement impairments. Ask your physician or therapist if this is an appropriate treatment for you.

How does it work?

Usually a healthy muscle feels very little discomfort with insertion of the needle; however, if the muscle is sensitive and shortened or has active trigger points within it, the subject may feel a sensation much like a muscle cramp, which is often referred to as a ‘twitch response’. The twitch response also has a biochemical characteristic to it which likely affects the reaction of the muscle, symptoms, and response of the tissue. A reproduction of pain can be a helpful diagnostic indicator of the cause of the patient’s symptoms. Patients soon learn to recognize and even welcome this sensation as it results in deactivating the trigger point, thereby reducing pain and restoring normal length and function of the involved muscle.

Who is it for?

Dry Needling may be suited for any patient with musculoskeletal pain or dysfunction. However there are some contraindications, specific situations where treatment is not recommended, such as taking blood thinners or being pregnant, among others. Call us and find out if this treatment approach is right for you!

Some conditions recommended include but are not limited to:

Plantar fasciitis
Sciatic Nerve
Cervical and Lumbar Pain
Tension Headaches
Tennis elbow
Carpal Tunnel

What to expect ?

Muscle soreness is common following dry needling. Something along the lines of feeling like you have worked out. It will be slightly different from your normal pain.
Bruising could also be found post needling however not as common.
Ice following treatment could help to reduce post needling soreness.
You may resume normal activities of daily living immediately following treatment session.