Functional/Integrated Dry Needling
Throughout the first two weeks of my clinical rotation with FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers in Westminster, CO, I have been fortunate enough to not only have the opportunity to apply the skills I learned in the classroom but also learn new treatment techniques that were previously unfamiliar to me. Something I was unable to learn about during physical therapy school in Pennsylvania was dry needling. It has certainly been interesting learning about how each state's practice acts vary in what physical therapists are eligible to do, such as learning about dry needling in Colorado! In the state of Colorado physical therapists are eligible to perform dry needling once they have completed 50 hours of education, 40 of which must be in person. This course must also include specific knowledge and psychomotor objectives, clinical decision making, and a written and psychomotor assessment of knowledge and skill. So moral of the story, physical therapists in Colorado are very well educated and trained when it comes to utilizing dry needling as a treatment technique!
What Is It?
Dry needling consists of thin, monofilament needles being inserted into a muscle or a trigger point within a muscle. Dry needling overall helps to decrease muscular tightness, improve blood flow to an area, and help to reduce pain. It can also help to improve your flexibility and range of motion at a joint. Needling is typically used in conjunction with other treatment approaches in physical therapy. So, expect a comprehensive treatment plan including exercise, hands-on techniques, and education to be included when you receive dry needling.
Who Benefits?
The bottom line is that many people benefit from dry needling! The great thing about this treatment is that it is not limited to only one diagnosis. Dry needling can truly be used for conditions from head to toe. Some common uses for dry needling include: rotator cuff pain, tendonitis, neck pain, low back pain, headaches, TMJ, muscle weakness, muscle strains, plantar fasciitis, hip pain, and so much more. There is also plenty of research available online to show the benefits of dry needling for specific body parts and conditions, so be sure to do your research to see if this treatment approach may be right for you!
What to Expect?
Well for starters, no two individuals respond the same to any treatment approach and dry needling is no different. That being said, it is important to have a general understanding of how dry needling works and what to expect after being needled. Always be sure your therapist provides you with information the day of your treatment. As the treatment begins you may feel a sharp pressure as the needle is inserted into the tissue, don’t worry this should only be a brief feeling of discomfort. After the conclusion of your treatment session, expect your physical therapist to remove the needles and educate you about potential side effects from treatment. These potential side effects can include mild muscle soreness for up to 24 hours, potential skin reactions to the needles, and potential bruising from the needles. Be sure to discuss with your provider if you have any questions or concerns regarding these side effects. Self stretching and self massaging to the treatment area afterwards has been shown to help potentially reduce the feeling of soreness in the day following. It is also important to note that some people may feel the positive benefits of dry needling after the first session, but it is not abnormal to need a few sessions of dry needling to start seeing the positive results. It is important to remember that each body responds differently so be sure to be patient with the treatment approach and your body.
Overall, dry needling has proven to have good clinical outcomes for a plethora of conditions seen in your local physical therapy clinics! This treatment when used in adjunct with other approaches can help you get back to living the life you love quicker, and with less pain. The most important factor with dry needling is your comfort with the treatment. So be sure to speak to your physical therapist and make sure all of your concerns are addressed beforehand. And always remember that your physical therapist is very well educated and trained in this treatment approach and to ensure the best outcomes for you as a patient!
Those who are pregnant, unable to understand the treatment, fear needles, are on blood thinners, or have a vascular conditions should not receive dry needling services.
Written By: Marissa Petronzio, SPT
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