Dry Needling

Dry Needling

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is an effective technique for the treatment of a multitude of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions. It is NOT appropriate for all conditions or pathologies and the use of the technique will be at the discretion of the provider performing the treatment.
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Pre-visit Information

Do not eat 30 minutes before the treatment. Be well-hydrated but empty your bladder prior to treatment. Wear or bring clothes to allow access to treatment areas easily.

Dry needling is NOT acupuncture (a traditional Chinese medicine). Dry needling is based on neuro-anatomy and modern scientific study of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. A very fine filament needle is inserted through the skin and into the deeper tissues that are considered specific points to your pain. Dry needling works by causing a micro lesion within the pathological tissue thus breaking up the shortened tissues, inhibiting a reflex arc from the nervous system to the tissue, normalizing the inflammatory response, and centrally mediating the pain. This mechanical and neuromuscular effect provides an environment that enhances the body’s ability to reduce pain.

Only sterile, disposable needles are used. Is the treatment painful? The fine filament needle is very thin, solid, and flexible, which allows for the needle to be pushed through the skin versus cutting the skin. This helps reduce any discomfort that may occur with the procedure. We strive to make the treatment virtually painless however at times a local twitch response of the muscle may be felt. When the needle is inserted into the pathological tissue the local twitch response as a little electric shock, cramp or an ache sensation. These sensations are perfectly normal and even a desirable response. The provider will make every effort to make your experience comfortable and therapeutic.

What should I avoid? Our recommendations vary depending on the amount of soreness you have and on the individual response to the treatment. Recommendations may include increasing your water intake, applying heat or ice over the area, gentle stretches and modifications of activities.

This will depend on the category you fit in, which is determined by the state of the issue and overall health. Remember we are attempting to cause mechanical and biochemical changes without any pharmacological means. Therefore, we are looking for a cumulative response to break the pain cycle. The provider will be able to give you more insight after your evaluation.

This will vary, but many patients experience immediate relief of their symptoms and an increase in range of motion. Soreness can also be a common response from the needling but does not occur with all people. Some individuals may experience an immediate achiness or a delayed soreness the next day. The soreness, if present, will usually last one to two days, use of heat and light massage and movement will be beneficial. Mild bruising may occur at the needling sites and is more prevalent in certain parts of the body. Larger bruising may also occur but is rare. Application of ice on the bruise will help with the soreness and the skin discoloration will last several days but is not harmful. It is uncommon but possible that the treatment may temporarily increase your symptoms. This is not usual but if this continues past the one-to-two-day window, inform the provider for an adjustment made to your program. This does not mean that needling will not be beneficial to your condition.