What is Dry Needling?

What is Dry Needling Anyway?

Dry needling is a technique used in physical therapy that involves inserting thin microfilament needles into specific points in the body, typically in muscles or trigger points. The technique is like acupuncture, but the underlying principles and goals are different.

Here are some potential benefits of dry needling in the context of physical therapy:

Pain relief: Can reduce pain by targeting trigger points thin muscles. Trigger points are tight knots of muscle fibers that can cause pain and restrict movement. By inserting needles into these points, physical therapists can release tension, promoting pain relief.

Improved muscle function: Enhances muscle function by addressing muscle imbalances, reducing muscle tightness, and improving muscle activation. By releasing trigger points and promoting better muscle function, dry needling can help restore normal movement patterns and improve overall mobility.

Increased blood flow: The insertion of needles during dry needling can stimulate blood flow to the targeted area. Improved blood circulation can enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.

Enhanced tissue healing: Promotes tissue healing by stimulating the body's natural healing mechanisms. The insertion of needles can trigger a localized inflammatory response, which can activate the body's healing processes and promote tissue repair.

Complementary to other therapies: Dry needling can be used in conjunction with other physical therapy interventions, such as exercise therapy, manual therapy, and modalities like heat or electrical stimulation. It can complement these treatments by addressing specific muscle-related issues and facilitating the effectiveness of the overall treatment plan.  People who suffer from back pain and sports injuries can benefit from dry needling specifically. 

Here's how dry needling can be beneficial for these conditions:

Back pain: Can relieve back pain by targeting trigger points in the muscles of the back. Many cases of back pain are associated with muscle tightness and trigger points. By inserting needles into these trigger points, physical therapists can release the tension, reducing pain. It

can also help improve mobility and restore normal movement patterns, which can alleviate back pain.

Sports injuries: Dry needling can be used as part of the rehabilitation process for various sports injuries. It can help address muscular imbalances, reduce muscle tightness, and promote tissue healing. In conditions like tennis elbow or runner's knee, dry needling can be used to target the affected muscles and trigger points, which can aid in pain relief and restore normal muscle function.

Dry needling can also help with any joint pain, neck pain, TMJ, knee osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, etc. Although effective, it is important to note that dry needling should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes other physical therapy interventions. It is typically not a standalone treatment, rather a complementary technique integrated into a larger treatment plan. To schedule an appointment for dry needling or if you have questions, call me directly or schedule online at jehnptandwellness.biz. Physical Therapy appointments can be scheduled without a referral from a medical doctor. In most cases dry needling is not covered by insurance.