Dry Needling for Muscular Pain
Discover the transformative benefits of Dry Needling, a highly effective technique that harnesses the power of fine needles to target trigger points in muscles, providing relief from pain, improving flexibility, and enhancing muscle function. At Bodyworks Physical Therapy, we offer this cutting-edge approach to individuals seeking advanced solutions for muscular discomfort.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry Needling is a highly effective technique that uses a very fine needle without any medication to relax trigger points in muscles. Points are the “knots” or tight bands you can feel within muscles that can contribute to pain, decreased flexibility and decreased muscle function. If other modes of treatment have not been effective in the past at reducing your muscular pain, consider Dry Needling.
What is the difference between Dry Needling and Acupuncture?
While both Dry Needling and Acupuncture use the same tool, a solid filament needle, the principles of Dry Needling are not based on stimulating “channels or meridians” to restore “a balance of energy” like Acupuncture. Rather, Dry Needling utilizes the needle to penetrate skin and stimulate trigger points and connective tissues for the management of pain and movement problems.
Who Can Benefit from Dry Needling?
- Fibromyalgia
- Neck/Back Pain
- Chronic Pain/Injuries
- Headaches
- Muscle Spasms
- Shoulder Pain
- Elbow Pain
- Hip/Knee Pain
- Muscle Strains
- Contractures
- Adhesions
- Whiplash from Auto Accidents
- Sports Injuries and many more
Does Dry Needling hurt?
Our sterile, disposable needles are very thin. Most patients do not even feel the needle go in. When the needle is inserted into the injured tissue, a twitch response may be felt. Patients have described this as an aching or cramping sensation. These sensations are perfectly normal and even desirable.
How will I feel after my Dry Needling treatment?
This will vary, but many patients experience immediate relief of their symptoms and an increase in range of motion. Soreness or mild bruising may occur, but is not harmful.
Will I continue to do exercises or receive other treatments?
Yes, your customized physical therapy program at Bodyworks will still incorporate traditional physical therapy methods including manual therapy, stretching, strengthening and posture training.
Still have questions about how dryneedling works or if it’s the right option for you?
Contact our team today to learn more and schedule your therapy session.
Saw Brecca for dry needling. She was informative, explaining the whole process and what to expect. I felt very comfortable and incredibly happy I tried it out. I’ll definitely be back and would highly recommend her.
FAQs About Dry Needling
Does dry needling hurt?
Most patients don’t feel the needle go in, since it’s much thinner than an injection needle. You may feel a brief muscle twitch or a cramping sensation when the needle reaches a trigger point, which is a normal and often desired response.
How will I feel after a dry needling treatment?
Many patients notice immediate relief in pain and range of motion. It’s also common to feel mild soreness or see slight bruising for a day or two afterward, similar to how a muscle feels after a hard workout.
Will I still need other physical therapy treatments alongside dry needling?
Yes, in most cases. Dry needling is typically combined with manual therapy, stretching, strengthening, and posture training as part of a customized treatment plan, rather than used on its own.
Do I need a referral for dry needling in Fargo?
In most cases, no. Many patients can schedule a dry needling session at Bodyworks without a referral. However, some insurance plans, including Medicare, may require an order or referral from a physician or other healthcare provider. Our team is happy to help you determine what your specific insurance plan requires so you can get started.
How many dry needling sessions will I need?
This depends on how your muscles respond and what condition you’re treating. Many patients feel some relief after the first session, while trigger points that have been present for a long time may need a series of treatments combined with stretching and strengthening.
Who can benefit from dry needling?
Dry needling can help patients dealing with chronic muscle or joint pain, fibromyalgia, headaches, muscle spasms, and injuries like whiplash or sports strains, especially when other treatments haven’t fully resolved symptoms. It’s typically used alongside other physical therapy techniques rather than as a standalone treatment.
What’s the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?
Dry needling and acupuncture both use a thin, solid filament needle, but the similarity ends there. Dry needling targets specific muscle trigger points and connective tissue to relieve pain and restore movement, based on Western anatomy and neuroscience, while acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and targets energy pathways, or meridians.
Meet Our Dry Needling Experts
Drew Zimmerman
PT, DPT
Zach Thissen
PT, DPT
Further Reading on Dry Needling
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