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. Bleeding is not a common side-effect of dry needling.
The goal of dry needling or trigger point dry needling is to provide the muscle with healing factors to help it remodel and heal. The area can be sore but just like working out, that soreness usually resolves in 24 hours or so. The benefit of dry needling is its ability to target specific muscles. When we use our hands to treat painful muscles the pressure is broad and diffuse. Which, can be fine for some conditions but for others, like shoulder pain or back pain, we really like to be as specific as possible.
3 benefits of Dry Needling:
1. It’s quick. The process is quick and can be done in a few minutes depending on the goal and targeted muscles.
2. Dry needling is specific. It targets muscles or trigger points.
3. It can provide quick relief from muscle pain.
Those who respond well to the treatment will often feel a difference within the treatment or a few hours later.
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. Common conditions that are treated with dry needling include shoulder pain, neck pain, and back pain.
The cost of dry needling can vary but on average you can expect anywhere from $30-$50 per location. The cost widely varies and it is best to ask the professional prior to the treatment.
If you are receiving other services at the same time, the cost is often lower.
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 diagnoses that I commonly treat with dry needling includes shoulder pain, back pain, neck pain, and headaches.
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.
Dry needling is a newer treatment in Jacksonville which may help you achieve relief for your nagging pains. It’s becoming a great way to notice quick relief for many conditions. It has many benefits when treating pain and can be safe and effective. If you want to experience this new treatment just reach out to your local physical therapist or us at Revision Health Services to see if you could benefit.
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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