What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling looks a lot like acupuncture, but it serves a very different purpose. Acupuncture is a method used to open a person’s energy flow or chi to promote healing and can treat a range of symptoms from nausea to knee pain. Dry needling, which is growing in popularity, is utilized to ease muscular pain. During a treatment, a practitioner or physical therapist will insert several thin, stainless steel needles into “trigger points” in your muscle or tissue. This method gets its name because the needles used do not inject any fluid into the body.

Why Try Dry Needling?

This modern treatment method helps release knots in your muscles and can also help relieve muscle spasms. In addition to providing pain relief, dry needling can improve your flexibility and increase your range of motion. This treatment is often used to treat sports injuries, muscle pain, and can even reduce pain from fibromyalgia. Recent studies have shown that this new treatment option is more effective than stretching to relieve muscle pain and stiffness.

Are There Side Effects?

Serious side effects of this modern treatment method are rare. Mild side effects are more common and can include soreness, bruising, and some light bleeding. You could also experience fatigue after treatment.

If you are experiencing any muscle pain and want to explore your treatment options, our physical therapists would be more than happy to discuss dry needling with you. Schedule an appointment by filling out our online request form.