Dry Needling

Dry needling can be a useful treatment for a variety of muscular and/or joint problems. Many painful conditions are at least partially a result of active muscle trigger points. These taut bands of muscle fibers often develop from prolonged postural imbalances and can also be a result of compensation from more acute injuries. 

For patients with painful muscular conditions, therapy may be the best option for recovery.

During the treatment, a thin needle is inserted into the skin and stimulates the muscle underneath. Most patients do not feel the insertion of the needles. The local muscle twitch response elicits a very brief (often less than a second) painful response. Some describe the muscle twitch as a quick muscle shock or cramp. This twitch response is good and a desirable reaction. 

The needles are inserted between 10 seconds and 20 minutes. The time depends on what location is being treated, how many needles are needed and what the treatment goals are. 

Dry needling can:

• Decrease muscle tightness
  
• Increase blood flow
  
• Reduce pain

Most patients report some muscle soreness after the procedure. This soreness is often described as how it feels after a good strength training workout. The feeling usually lasts between a few hours to 2 days.