What is Dry Needling?
A small needle is inserted directly through the skin into a myofascial trigger point. A myofascial trigger point consists of multiple contraction knots, which are
related to the production and maintenance of the pain cycle.
How can it help me?
Ever have that knot that you just can not get out? Dry needling can be used for a variety of musculoskeletal problems. Muscles are thought to be a primary contributing factor to the symptoms. Such conditions include, but are not limited to neck, back and shoulder pain, arm / elbow pain, buttock pain and leg pain (sciatica, hamstrings strains, calf tightness/spasms). The treatment of muscles has the greatest effect on reducing pain mechanisms in the nervous system.
Is it like acupuncture?
There are many similarities and differences between dry needling and acupuncture. Licensed physical therapists in a growing number of states can use dry needling under the scope of their practice. Dry needling also falls within the scope of acupuncture practice. Physical therapists are not licensed acupuncturists and do not practice acupuncture. In contrast to most schools of acupuncture, dry needling is strictly based on Western medicine principles and research.
Does it hurt?
It can be a sensation of pain, however it is short-lived. It also can create post treatment soreness, however also brief in nature and nothing different than delayed onset muscle soreness post-workout.
How often should I get it?
Once per week is generally most effective until the muscle begins to calm down. It can also be used post-workout as recovery, or as a maintenance therapy as in massage. Typically, it takes several visits for a positive reaction to take place. Again, we are trying to cause mechanical and biochemical changes without any pharmacological means. Therefore, we are looking for a cumulative response to achieve a certain threshold after which the pain cycle is disturbed.