Curious about the buzz surrounding dry needling?
You may have noticed our practitioners incorporating this treatment modality or even experienced it during your consultation. Widely utilized by numerous allied health professionals, dry needling proves effective across a spectrum of conditions, from acute athletic injuries to chronic pain—many individuals attest to its prowess in alleviating severe muscle pain and tension.
So, you’re probably wondering how it operates.
The micro-needles employed are akin to those used in acupuncture, but they target tight muscles with the aim of pain management. Delicately threaded into the skin and into taut muscle bands, also known as “trigger points,” the fine filament needle induces precise and minimal microtrauma upon entering the tissue. The suggested benefits are linked to the stimulation of nerve fibers, prompting the release of substances that disrupt pain signals and alleviate muscle tightness. Moreover, the needle aids in restoring normal blood supply to flush out the area and alleviate tension.
Wondering about the sensation?
As we employ fine needles, you might experience a minor prick upon skin entry. There’s often a described “twitch” response resembling an electric shock or cramping sensation, which subsequently releases spasms or trigger points causing pain.
Some individuals may sense immediate improvement in pain and mobility post dry needling, while others might encounter post-treatment soreness over the next 24-48 hours. Nevertheless, we recommend gentle range of motion, increased fluid intake, and the application of heat or ice to maintain muscle suppleness and alleviate discomfort.
Eager to give it a shot?
Remember, dry needling is just one tool in our arsenal and is most effective when combined with targeted exercises, stretches, and osteopathic manual therapy. Integrated into our treatment approach, dry needling serves to desensitize sore muscles, foster healing, and restore normal tissue function in the targeted muscle.
