Dry Needling is considered to be an extremely effective technique in reducing muscle tension and pain, increasing motion, and promoting increased function within muscles.
This technique is just one of many physical therapy treatments and modalities that is used to relive pain associated with muscle spasms, tendonitis, migraines, and so much more. Dry needling is a treatment that involves the use of a very thin needle through the skin to stimulate a trigger point. Dry Needling is used to release tight muscle bands that are associated with trigger points, or hard “knots” within a muscle that can cause pain over a large area. Sometimes these trigger points or muscle spasms can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks due to the pain every time the area is touched. This pain can even radiate to nearby areas of the body. The needle is used to deeply treat muscles and “deactivate” or “shut down” a painful knotted area or trigger point within muscles. When someone has muscle pain or tightness, it can lead to irritation and compression of the nerves. Irritated nerves send out a protective spasm to all of the muscles to which they are connected. This can lead to decreased mobility and pain in the area. Many of us have areas in our body that constantly feel tense or have what feels like a hard ball within the muscle. This type of treatment involves inserting fine needles into the tight areas, which elicits a brief contraction or “twitch response” followed by an immediate and long-lasting feeling of relaxation. This deep treatment can help patients achieve amazing pain relief they never thought possible.
“Before I started physical therapy at Fast-Track, I had been treated at various clinics for the last 9 months and was still incapable of doing basic things without a lot of pain in my back and shoulders. Within weeks of working with Brian and Bridgette, my pain went from a constant 7 to an intermittent 3. Today, after 3 months of treatment, my pain has virtually dispersed, and it is all thanks to this team and their knowledge in the dry needling technique. Thank you so much for helping me get back to where I was before the accident.” -Evan L.
What is Dry Needling able to treat?
· Neck pain
· Migraines and TMJ
· Back pain
· Tendonitis, shoulder and elbow pain
· Joint pain and dysfunction
· Plantar fasciitis
Benefits of Dry Needling:
· Pain relief
· Reduces muscle tension
· Restores / Increases motion and function
· Speeds up recovery
Will Dry Needling help me?
If you like the results of massage therapy but are disappointed when your discomfort returns, Dry Needling may be a great way for you to receive more long-lasting relief. Unlike other types of manual therapy, Dry Needling can treat nearly any muscle in the body, and at depths other treatments are unable to reach. Dry Needling is a great technique to complement your physical therapy treatments because it allows us to get rid of the deep knots and tension points that are unreachable during a massage.
“After trying massage for pain for 20 years, I Googled Dry Needling and Fast Track Physical Therapy came up. I was having issues with my shoulder range of motion, plus my neck and upper back. I started with Brian and moved to Bridgette when he was out of town for training. The dry needling was very helpful for my recovery, and I would highly recommend it as a tool to fixing the problem. Bridgette was very thorough in her treatments and always took the time to listen to my concerns. The techs were all very caring and always made me feel very comfortable. The office staff communicated well. They always greeted me and helped with any issue I had. I am so grateful for all the care I received from Fast Track and will miss seeing my “friends” each week.” -Kimberly C.
If you are newly injured, swollen, and have acute pain, Dry Needling is not appropriate. Additionally, patients with excessively loose joints may not be appropriate candidates for this type of treatment. An evaluation will help determine if you are a good candidate for Dry Needling.
Does the needle hurt?
The needles are very fine and solid compared to a hollow injection needle, which means they do not hurt as much. Patients report sensations of soreness, pressure, releasing, and deep aching. The needle is left in just long enough to relax your muscle, which is a short period of time. In order to return the muscle to its normal, relaxed state, the procedure is repeated in different areas. There is some discomfort because we treat sensitive areas. However, it is well worth tolerating considering the long-term relief Dry Needling treatment provides.
How will I feel after Dry Needling?
After receiving dry needle treatments your muscles may feel fatigued. Soreness can last from a few hours to 1 to 3 days, but it should not interfere with your everyday activities. We encourage you to drink lots of water and be active during this time to keep the soreness to a minimum. Applying heat to your sore muscles may help to minimize soreness. You may experience less pain and tightness after a day or so.
When used in conjunction with other physical therapy techniques, dry needling is most effective. Dry needling is another treatment tool, just like therapeutic exercise, spinal traction, other manual therapy techniques, and various modalities. It is often useful early in treatment to help break the pain cycle.
“This is a great treatment option. I have been doing Dry Needling since 2013, and Fast Track probably has the most experienced and the most certified therapists in Dry Needling in Indiana. All of our physical therapists are certified in dry needling here at Fast Track, and it has been an excellent resource to have in addition to many other certifications and techniques we use.”
–Brian Horner PT, Owner of Fast Track Physical Therapy
