Dry Needling is a treatment modality that involves the insertion of a small thin needle into the soft tissues (muscle, ligament, tendons and fascia) to decrease pain, muscle spasm and stimulate healing. Dry Needling is an effective therapy to treat conditions such as tendonitis, nerve irritation, muscular strain, spasm and pain. It is called “Dry” Needling because there is no solution injected from the needle. With Dry Needling therapy, the needle itself and the effects it produces within the tissue is the treatment.
What is the Difference Between Dry Needling and Acupuncture?
Both Dry Needling and Acupuncture use the same tool; a solid thin filament needle, but the intent of the treatment is very different. The primary difference is the philosophy and intent of the therapists performing the procedure. Acupuncturist attempts to influence the body’s health by inserting needles into the various meridians with the intent of making a change to the energy flowing through the meridians to influence overall heath. Dry needling on the other hand, uses the same needle to treat overactive tissues to help control muscle tone, inflammation and decrease pain.
Does it Hurt?
In most instances, the insertion of the treatment needle feels like a scratch. However, if the muscle is sensitive due to spam or trigger points, the patient my feel a dull ache in the muscle or get a twitch response.
Who Can Benefit From Dry Needling?
Almost anyone can benefit from Dry Needling who is experiencing pain, muscles spams and trigger points. Some of the most common conditions treated by Dry Needling include the following:
- Muscle Strains
- Muscle Spasms
- Trigger Points
- Headaches
- Neck Pain
- Back Pain
- Sciatica
- Tendonitis
- Rotator Cuff Syndrome
- Overuse Injuries
- Tennis and Golfers Elbow
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Whiplash