Dry Needling in Berkeley Heights, NJ

Dry needling is becoming an increasingly popular treatment option for musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction in Berkeley Heights, NJ. At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers - Berkeley Heights, our experienced physical therapists use dry needling to help patients find relief from a variety of conditions.

Dry Needling Physical Therapy Berkeley Heights, NJ, involves inserting thin monofilament needles into trigger points in the muscle or connective tissue to release tight bands or knots (known as "myofascial trigger points") that cause pain and restricted range of motion. The needles used in dry needling are similar to acupuncture needles but are typically thicker.

By releasing myofascial trigger points, dry needling can help prepare the body for further treatment and rehabilitation.

Dry Needling Benefits

There are many potential benefits of dry needling for musculoskeletal and movement disorders, including:

• Reduced muscle tension, spasms, and pain
• Improved range of motion
• Enhanced physical function
• Accelerated injury recovery
• Decreased headaches or migraines
• Relief from jaw, neck, or back pain
• Less tingling or numbness
• Better overall mobility

Research indicates that dry needling can modulate pain signals, improve blood flow, and diminish inflammation in the affected tissues. Dry Needling Therapy Berkeley Heights, NJ, manipulates the neural, muscular, and connective tissues to rapidly reduce impairments and restore normal motor recruitment patterns.

At FYZICAL Berkeley Heights, we often incorporate dry needling into treatment plans for conditions such as:

• Neck, shoulder, or back pain
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Sports injuries
• Tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Arthritis
• Jaw pain or TMJ dysfunction
• Headaches and migraines
• Neuropathic pain
• Post-surgical pain
• Pelvic pain

Is Dry Needling Safe?

Yes, when performed by a licensed healthcare professional with proper training, dry needling is considered very safe. Our physical therapists at FYZICAL Berkeley Heights have undergone advanced education and certification in dry-needling techniques.

We use sterile, single-use needles and follow rigorous medical safety standards. Side effects are typically minor and temporary, including mild soreness, bruising, or muscle fatigue. Serious complications like punctured organs are extremely rare when proper dry-needling protocols are followed.

It’s important to note that dry needling is not acupuncture. While they utilize similar needles, acupuncture, and dry needling differ in their targets, techniques, and therapeutic goals. 

Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles, while Dry Needling Treatment Berkeley Heights, NJ, focuses on scientifically supported neuromuscular and musculoskeletal principles.

What to Expect During Dry Needling Treatments?

Your first dry-needling session at our Berkeley Heights clinic will begin with a thorough evaluation by your physical therapist. We will assess your medical history, muscle tightness, trigger point sensitivity, pain levels, and range of motion. This allows us to create a customized dry-needling treatment plan.

• The treatment takes place in a private room, and you'll be asked to wear loose clothing to allow access to the affected muscles.
• Your physical therapist will clean the skin with an antiseptic wipe before inserting the filiform needles.
• When a needle enters a trigger point, you may feel a muscle twitch, ache, or soreness. This is normal and even desired, as it indicates the trigger point is releasing.
• Your therapist will remove each needle after triggering the desired response in the muscle tissue.
• The number of needles and time needed depends on the individual, but sessions typically last 15-30 minutes.
• You may feel immediate relief after treatment or mild muscle soreness for a day or two.
• We recommend a series of dry needling treatments for most patients, with sessions spaced several days or weeks apart for optimal results. The frequency will depend on your goals and how you respond.

How Dry Needling Compares to Other Therapies?

There are several other injection therapies that are sometimes compared to dry needling, including:

• Trigger point injections involve injecting anesthetics, saline, or steroids into trigger points. Dry needling does not utilize injections.
• Prolotherapy injects dextrose solution into damaged ligaments or tendons. Dry needling targets myofascial trigger points specifically.
• Botox injections temporarily paralyze muscles with the botulinum toxin. Dry needling does not cause paralysis.
• Cortisone injections deliver anti-inflammatory corticosteroids to treat pain. Dry needling does not involve medication.

While these injection techniques have their purposes, Berkeley Heights Dry Needling Therapy provides more precision by mechanically releasing trigger points with solid needles. The localized twitch response elicited during dry needling cannot be replicated by injecting substances alone.

FAQs

What Is Dry Needling In Physical Therapy?

Dry needling is a skilled intervention performed by a licensed physical therapist using thin filiform needles to penetrate the skin and treat underlying muscular trigger points and scar tissue for the management of neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments.

How Long Do The Benefits Of Dry Needling Last?

The benefits of dry needling are often immediate, with improved range of motion and reduced pain in the treated area. However, it’s common to undergo several treatments to achieve long-lasting results. The effects of a single session typically last 7-10 days, while a complete dry-needling program delivers progressive and cumulative benefits.

Is Dry Needling Effective Long-Term?

Yes, when combined with Berkeley Heights Physical Therapy and a home exercise program, the effects of a complete dry-needling program can be long-lasting. By resetting dysfunctional motor patterns, reducing scar tissue, and teaching patients home maintenance, the benefits often continue for months or years after formal treatment ends.

Does Dry Needling Work?

Extensive medical research demonstrates that dry needling performed by skilled practitioners delivers consistent outcomes for a wide array of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions. While results vary by individual, dry needling works by manipulating the nervous system to rapidly reduce impairments, restore range of motion, decrease trigger point activity, and normalize pain signaling.

How Much Does Dry Needling Cost?

The cost of dry needling depends on your provider and insurance coverage. At FYZICAL Berkeley Heights, your personalized dry needling treatment plan is designed to provide the most effective results as efficiently as possible.