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Dry Needling Physical Therapy in Katy, TX

Dry Needling Physical Therapy in Katy, TX

More patients than ever are considering Dry Needling physical therapy as a recovery option. The rise in popularity is because professional and recreational athletes and those with chronic pain have begun to discover the therapy’s effectiveness. 

Dry needling treatment is an invasive procedure in which a solid filament needle is inserted into the skin and muscle directly at a myofascial trigger point. A myofascial trigger point consists of multiple contraction knots, which are related to the production and maintenance of the pain cycle.

Dry needling physical therapy is safe and seldom painful. Many patients feel only a minimal sensation, while others feel a sort of twitch in what are already sore muscles. 

Many find immediate, permanent relief with this effective technique for certain musculoskeletal conditions. Dry needling treatment is usually used in combination with other physical therapy modalities at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers - Cinco Ranch East.

What type of problems can be treated with dry needling in Katy, TX?

Dry needling physical therapy can be used for a variety of musculoskeletal problems. Muscles are thought to be a primary contributing factor to the symptoms. Such conditions include, but are not limited to:

  • neck/back/shoulder pain
  • tennis elbow
  • carpal tunnel
  • golfer’s elbow
  • tension headaches and migraines
  • sciatica
  • hamstrings strains
  • calf tightness/spasms

The treatment of muscles has the greatest effect on reducing pain mechanisms in the nervous system.

Dry Needling vs Acupuncture

Dry needling and acupuncture are different treatments used by the physical therapists at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers - Cinco Ranch East. Both treatments alleviate pain and reduce muscle tension. 

Dry needling is a Western scientific medical procedure that involves inserting thin needles into trigger points, which are specific areas on the body that hold tension. Many people find trigger points are like “knots,” sometimes at a pain point and other times farther away with referred pain. 

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique involving inserting needles into acupoints on the body. Acupuncture balances the flow of qi energy to promote healing.

Dry needling physical therapy and acupuncture are similar in that they both use thin needles. Still, they differ in approach, techniques, and conditions treated. Physical therapists may be licenced to perform dry needling or be licensed acupuncturists.

Why Choose FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers for Dry Needling Treatment in Katy TX

Dry Needling treatment effectively increases muscle function, reduces injury recovery time, and interrupts chronic pain patterns. 


FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers - Cinco Ranch East, TX, create dramatic, immediate changes in your flexibility, mobility, pain, and function with musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain using dry needling.

Dry Needling Treatment FAQs 

What Is Dry Needling in Physical Therapy?

Dry needling treats pain and movement problems caused by or associated with myofascial trigger points. Your physical therapist inserts thin needles at or near trigger points directly into your skin. The needles stimulate muscles, causing them to contract or twitch, relieving pain and improving mobility and flexibility. Many patients feel immediate relief after dry needling. 

How Does Dry Needling Work in Physical Therapy?

When muscles are injured or overused, fibers do not receive adequate blood supply. The tissues near trigger points become more acidic, and nerves are more sensitive, creating pain and soreness. Trigger point needle stimulation reopens the blood supply and releases tension. The sensation also initiates a nerve reaction that stimulates the release of endorphins for natural pain relief.

Is Dry Needling Really Effective?

Dry needling is so effective that many people suffering from treatment-resistant chronic pain feel instant relief! Athletes use dry needling because it is so effective and quickly gets them back in the game! You may feel reduced pain and notice increased mobility almost immediately after even one dry needling session. For some conditions, it may take more than one treatment session.

What Does Dry Needling Therapy Do?

Stimulating trigger points with a tiny needle opens the normal blood supply to reduce acid in the muscles and release painful tension. The sensation of the needle entering the skin fires nerve endings to stimulate the release of the body’s natural pain killer, endorphins.