Trigger Point Dry Needling:
We are proud to announce that we can offer dry needling sessions at FYZICAL Indialantic. Dry needling is a science-based treatment that works by targeting and releasing pain with a "dry" solid filament needle.
Conditions Treated by Dry Needling
Dry needling has successfully been used to treat a variety of conditions including:
- Head and Neck Pain – including whiplash and headaches / migraines, degenerative joint disease, degenerative disk disease or osteoarthritis
- Otological (Ear) and Opthamological (Eye) Pain – including tinnitus and eye strain
- Dental (Teeth) and Orthodontic (Jaw and Occlusal) Pain – including cavities, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, tooth impaction and root problems
- Shoulder Pain – including rotator cuff muscle tears, bursitis, adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), tendonitis and impingement syndrome
- Elbow Pain – including lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)
- Hand and Wrist Pain – including gamekeeper’s thumb, DeQuervain’s syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis
- Back and Hip Pain – including lumbar degenerative disc disease, arthritic changes and herniated discs
- Knee Pain – including degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis
- Shin / Ankle / Foot Pain – including shin splints, gout, metatarsalgia and Morton’s neuroma
- Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)
- Acute and Chronic Tendonitis
- Athletic and Sports-related Overuse Injuries
- Post-surgical Pain
- Post-traumatic Injuries, Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA), and Work-related Injuries
- Other Chronic Pain Conditions – including myofascial pain and myofascial pain syndrome (MPS)
About
Trigger point dry needling is a technique that trained physical therapists use to relieve pain and is typically used in collaboration with manual therapy and therapeutic exercises to contribute to the broader physical therapy approach. The purpose is to reduce pain, inactivate trigger points, and improve function. Pain or dysfunction that has not improved with standard treatment may benefit from trigger point dry needling.
Muscles that are stiff after surgery will not develop the appropriate force required for normal function. Trigger point dry needling aides range of motion limitations, movement patterns, and muscle timing issues, helping them return to their previous activity level.
What is a "Trigger Point"?
When your muscle is not contracting and relaxing like normal, it creates a “trigger point” also called a “knot”. They can form in muscles from direct trauma or overuse which could be something as harmless as sitting on a computer stressed out for 30 minutes. Hoyle, et al., found that trigger points developed after one hour of continuous typing in all conditions.
Direct muscular trauma that can develop from falls, blunt trauma injuries, muscle strains, and lifting injuries can all lead to the development of trigger points in the involved muscle, as well as in the muscles that compensate after injury.
Trigger point dry needling is an invasive procedure in which a solid filament needle is inserted into the skin and muscle directly at a myofascial trigger point. Physical therapists utilize trigger point dry needling in the treatment of myofascial pain. A myofascial trigger point consists of multiple contraction knots, which are related to the pain cycle.
Dry Needling vs. Acupunction
Acupuncture is based of the principles of altering energy (Qi) through the body while trigger point dry needling is based on the Western Medicine principles and have research and science based roots. There are specific locations and dosages that physical therapists study in order to treat pain and muscle tightness.
How often should I get treatment?
In many cases, there is a decrease in pain within 24 hours of the first session of trigger point dry needling. Typically, it takes a few sessions in order to feel a lasting positive effect. One session a week for two to five weeks works for many people but consult your physical therapist on their expert opinion. Treatment will very case by case and will likely be known after the initial evaluation.
Dry Needling and Insurance
Dry needling is an innovative treatment technique that is not typically covered by insurance and charged as a cash based service. We will provide you with information if you would like to submit a claim to your insurance on your own time. Call us at (321) 372-3090 to ask about our rates.