Dry needling is a skilled technique performed by physical therapists and other providers that involves the use of a monofilament needle to treat pain and dysfunction. A sterile needle is inserted in the muscle or trigger point (a tight band of tender muscle fibers) to help stimulate healing and relax the surrounding muscle. We are still learning the exact way that it helps treat conditions such as back pain. It is usually not painful and you may or may not bruise. Every person is different. If you are afraid of needles, this is not for you!
It is called dry needling because it is a very small needle and nothing will be injected into your body, thus the needle is dry.
The goal of dry needling or trigger point dry needling is to provide the muscle with healing factors to remodel and heal. It can be sore but just like working out, that soreness usually resolves in 24 hours or so.
Dry needling is different from acupuncture in that the foundational principles are very different. In short, dry needling focuses on the muscle it is being inserted into not the entire body or other body structures such as organs.
Dry needling is a great treatment of muscular pain including trigger points. Trigger points are often found in muscles in your neck and lower back and even shoulders.
Interested in a dry needling session?The cost of dry needling can vary but on average you can expect $30-$50 per location. The cost widely varies and it is best to ask the professional prior to the treatment.
The cost of dry needling also varies between diagnosis, provider, and practice patterns. It is most likely not covered by insurance and there can be discounts for packages.
Dry needling is best for trigger points in muscles. It is sometimes referred to as trigger point dry needling. Trigger points can be located in many areas of the body but they are often found in the upper shoulder, neck, and lower back. They are sensitive and sore bands of tissue that often feel good when they are massaged. Dry needling those points can help relax the muscle and help your body naturally heal the muscle. The diagnosis that I commonly treat with dry needling includes shoulder pain, back pain, neck pain, and headaches.
Find out if dry needling is right for you!Dry needling is very safe. There are risks, just like everything else but we take all proper precautions to ensure safety. Dry needling may not be for you if you...
Other reasons your provider may not complete dry needling included here
Dry needling is a clean technique but not sterile because the environment isn’t sterile. We will prep the area with an alcohol swab and use a sterile needle to insert into the muscle. We will also make sure that the muscle is completely relaxed and in the preposition to ensure the needle hits the intended location.
Reference: Navarro-Santana MJ, Sanchez-Infante J, Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C, Cleland JA, Martín-Casas P, Plaza-Manzano G. Effectiveness of Dry Needling for Myofascial Trigger Points Associated with Neck Pain Symptoms: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med. 2020 Oct 14;9(10):3300. doi: 10.3390/jcm9103300. PMID: 33066556; PMCID: PMC7602246.
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