What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling sounds like something horrifying, but don’t be tricked or put off by the title. It’s actually one of the most powerful modalities in treating pain in your muscles. Without further ado, let’s get right to the point about dry needling (see what we did there?)

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling alleviates tenderness and soreness associated with trigger points. It’s a manual technique using a small, sterile, solid filament needle to deactivate and desensitize these trigger points. This technique involves inserting the needle and repetitively manipulating the needle in the trigger point in order to produce a local twitch response. This can help to improve:

• Range of Motion
• Blood flow
• Decreasing tight muscles
• Eliminating tension
• Healing of chronic joint, muscle and tendon injuries

Dry-Needling Treatments

• Neck, back, shoulder pain
• Tennis elbow
• Headaches
• Calf tightness/spasms
• Sciatica
• Plantar fasciitis
• Frozen shoulder, shoulder and arm pain
• TMJ pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Overuse injuries
• Muscle spasms
• Sprain/strain injuries
• Chronic
• Tendonitis
• Lower back pain
• Quadriceps, hamstring and hip pain

Does Dry Needling Hurt?

It doesn’t sound like it, but dry needling is a non-invasive procedure that’s very low risk and any pain or discomfort will be minimal and short-lived. This modality is commonly described as a tingling, cramping sensation with some muscle tenderness up to 48 hours after the procedure. To reduce soreness, drink plenty of water and alternate heat and ice.

NEW TO DESERT HAND & PHYSICAL THERAPY

Desert Hand & Physical Therapy has a therapist that is Dry-Needling certified for the Upper extremity at each of our 10 clinic locations. Your therapist will discuss with you the best treatment approach for you depending on your pathology. Please click HERE to schedule a new patient appointment or inquire about our services offered at Desert Hand and Physical Therapy. To learn even more about this modality, check out this post from Mayo Clinic