The benefits of dry needling include pain relief, improved range of motion, and improved function and performance. This modality can be used to treat a variety of neuromusculoskeletal issues, including neck and back pain, chronic headaches, and osteoarthritis. It can improve joint range of motion and muscle firing patterns. Filament needling has been in use for decades, and our techniques and knowledge continue to evolve, resulting in more widespread use of this technique to treat orthopedic and neuromusculoskeletal conditions. At Precision Osteopractic we incorporate filament needling into our comprehensive treatment plan that includes manipulation/adjustments, exercise, stretching, massage, and other techniques.
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about dry needling.
How does dry needling work?
When muscles are overused or strained, they can develop myofascial trigger points that are irritable and cause pain. People often first notice them in the shoulders and neck, hips, and back.
These knots are caused by a weak or overworked muscle This knot or taut band represents muscle fibers that cannot stop contracting. When this happens, the muscle fibers are no longer getting adequate blood supply, oxygen, and nutrients. Ultimately this makes the area sore or painful. Imagine the muscles in the back of your neck and shoulders after sitting hunched over your computer for 8hrs.
Stimulating a trigger point with a needle causes the body to send more blood flow to the area. This brings oxygen and nutrients back to the muscles, releasing the tension and relieving pain. The insertion of the filament communicates with the brain via the nervous system letting it know that it should release endorphins and anti-inflammatory substances. These act as the body’s own homemade pain medication.
This technique is called “dry” needling because no medication is used. The “dry” filament is inserted directly into the muscle tissue, and no medication is necessary to achieve pain relief.
Who can perform dry needling?
It is performed by physical therapists or medical doctors who receive advanced post-graduate training in the technique. At Precision Osteopractic, our providers are highly skilled with specialized training in dry needling and other advanced techniques.
What is the process like for the patient?
After learning about a patient’s pain or mobility challenges, we perform an assessment that includes the identification of trigger points. We are able to feel or palpate, these knots in the muscle. We combine our assessment with our knowledge of common trigger point locations and pain referral patterns to create a unique, individualized plan for dry needling and other therapies to relieve pain and improve performance.
Once a trigger point is located, we insert a very thin filament directly into the muscle. Sometimes the muscle will twitch. This is a good sign that we’re in the right spot.
Is it uncomfortable?
It is usually tolerated very well and patients understand that some sort-term discomfort to gain long-term relief is well worth it. While soreness after treatment can be minimized by encouraging movement, moist heat, and extra water intake.
How long does it take to work?
Some patients feel improvement almost immediately after the first session. We encourage a minimum of three sessions 5-7 days apart to achieve a longer-lasting effect.
Precision is currently accepting new patients. To book your appointment with the experts today, head directly to PrecisionOPT.com for easy self-scheduling. Free 15 min screenings are also available.
***Your safety is our highest priority. We are blessed to be able to work with one patient at a time in a private clinic that has a separate commercial air exchange system providing the clinic with new air every 6.5 minutes. This combined with mask-wearing significantly reduces any risk of transmission. Our cleaning practices go above and beyond the standards and you have direct access to the Precision clinic without needing to walk through any of the spaces designated to exercise. We hope this helps put you at ease with any concerns regarding COVID-19.***
