Dry needling is a form of therapy provided at FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers in Gainesville, Georgia that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points in the body, known as trigger points or myofascial trigger points. The goal of this therapy is to alleviate pain and improve mobility by releasing tension in the muscles and connective tissues.
The technique is called dry needling because no medication or injection is used, unlike acupuncture, which uses needles to stimulate specific points to promote energy flow in the body.
Dry needling is used by physical therapists as part of their treatment plan for a variety of conditions, including sports injuries, chronic pain, and musculoskeletal disorders. The therapy is believed to help with the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers produced by the body, and to stimulate the body's natural healing process.
The needles used in dry needling are very thin and sterile, and the therapist inserts them into specific trigger points. The trigger points are located in the muscles or connective tissues, and are usually associated with knots or areas of tension. When the needle is inserted into the trigger point, the therapist may manipulate it to help release tension in the muscle fibers.
The sensation of the needle insertion can vary from person to person, with some people experiencing no discomfort, while others may feel a slight pinch or prick. After the needle is inserted, the therapist may manipulate it to help release tension in the muscle fibers, which may cause a brief twitch or ache. The session usually lasts between 10 and 30 minutes.
One of the benefits of dry needling is that it can target specific areas of the body with precision. This means that the therapy can be tailored to the individual needs of the patient. Dry needling is often used in conjunction with other forms of therapy, such as massage, stretching, and exercise, to help improve mobility and reduce pain.
Patients who are considering dry needling should discuss the therapy with their physical therapist, and should inform their therapist of any underlying medical conditions or medications that they are taking. Patients should also be prepared to discuss their pain levels and any other symptoms that they are experiencing, in order to help the therapist develop a tailored treatment plan.
Dry needling can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
-
Chronic pain: Dry needling can help to reduce chronic pain in conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic back pain, and headaches.
-
Sports injuries: Dry needling can be used to treat sports injuries, such as tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and Achilles tendonitis.
-
Musculoskeletal disorders: Dry needling can help to relieve pain and stiffness in conditions such as osteoarthritis, frozen shoulder, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
-
Neck and shoulder pain: Dry needling can be used to release tension in the muscles of the neck and shoulders, which can help to alleviate pain and improve mobility.
-
Sciatica: Dry needling can be used to release tension in the muscles that are causing compression of the sciatic nerve, which can help to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with sciatica.
-
Headaches and migraines: Dry needling can help to relieve tension in the muscles of the neck and head that can contribute to headaches and migraines.
-
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ): Dry needling can be used to release tension in the muscles that control the jaw, which can help to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorder.
In conclusion, dry needling is a form of therapy that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points in the body, known as trigger points or myofascial trigger points. The therapy is used by physical therapists as part of their treatment plan for a variety of conditions, including sports injuries, chronic pain, and musculoskeletal disorders. The therapy is believed to help with the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers produced by the body, and to stimulate the body's natural healing process. Dry needling is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified therapist, and patients who are considering the therapy should discuss it with their physical therapist and be prepared to discuss their symptoms and pain levels.