Learn how Dry Needling Physical Therapy can quickly relieve you from pains and soreness caused by injuries
What is Dry Needling and how can it eliminate your pain?
Dry needling is an invasive treatment technique, in which thin monofilament type needles are inserted into the muscles, ligaments, tendons, subcutaneous fascia, scar tissue, and nerves Dry Needling has been around for years, however, it is a relatively new treatment to many including patients in Florida since being approved in July 2020 for certified therapists. DN is being used successfully with professional athletes, weekend warriors for chronic pain, neck pain, headaches, low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, sacroiliac joint pain, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff tendonitis, and many other common musculoskeletal conditions. At Fox Physical Therapy many of our doctors are certified in this therapyDry Needling, and patients can receive this type of therapy at our Miami and Boca Raton offices.
How does Dry needling work?
Dry Needling can target a vast number of structures in the body including scar tissues, tendons, ligaments, myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), bones, teno-osseus insertion sites, and neurovascular sites. With needle insertion, elicits a healing response through the release of chemical mediators at the brain known as endogenous opioids that repair and rebuild tissues along with improving blood flow with healing chemicals to that area. Depending on the tissue targeted, DN can reduce acute and chronic pain through the release of MTrPs within a muscle, improve range of motion through the breakdown of scar tissue, and help to heal chronically injured and degenerative tissues.
Is Dry Needling the same as Acupuncture?
Dry Needling is a western approach to medicine that differs from Acupuncture in the ideology of the application. Physical therapists using Dry Needling are specific to the tissues targeted to elicit the release of a chemical and cellular response at the neuromuscular level to reduce pain and improve function. Acupuncturists follow oriental medicine to insert needles along lines called meridians to restore energy flow through the human body known as “chi”.
Does Dy Needling hurt?
Dry Needling can be uncomfortable for patients. Pain, muscle cramps, and muscle twitches can be felt with the insertion of needles that occurs for short periods. When specifically targeting muscles, twitches and cramps are likely to occur if a Dry Needle is placed through an MTrP. This elicits a local twitch response (LTR), a quick reflex of a muscle that helps to relax, reduce chemical stress, and improve the flexibility of that tissue. Following Dry Needling, it is normal to feel soreness through the area for up to 2-3 days. The soreness after treatment is not intended to prevent functional activities or should be severe as that is a sign of overtreatment to an area.
What conditions does Dry Needling help with?
- Acute and chronic injuries including but not limited to those below:
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Plantar Fasciitis (Foot Pain)
- IT Band Syndrome
- Muscle Strains
- Low Back Pain
- Herniated or Bulging Discs
- Sciatica
- Stenosis
- Neck Pain
- TMJ Syndrome
- Migraines/Headaches
- Epicondylitis (Tennis/Golfers Elbow)
- Upper Back and Shoulder pain
- Piriformis Syndrome
- Degenerative joint disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Scar formation
- Chronic pain
- Post-Surgical pain and dysfunction
Is Dry Needling Safe?
Yes. Physical therapists must be certified through one of the educational seminars that include hands-on practice and clinical skills.
Contraindications to Dry Needling that should be discussed with the therapist include:
- Open wounds
- Metastatic cancer
- Infections
- Impaired clotting ability or patients on anti-coagulant medications
- Pregnancy, depending on the tissue being targeted
- Pacemakers, depending on the tissue being targeted
Contact us today to learn how dry needling therapy can help you.