What is Dry Needling?

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is the use of thin, solid needles to reduce muscle stiffness and pain. While dry needling and acupuncture appear similar, dry needling is a newer technique and focused more on the muscle itself as opposed to chi, flow, or acupoints. Dry needling works by releasing trigger points in the muscle, also known as knots, allowing for more mobility and strength. Dry needling may be a useful treatment to decrease pain and allow patients to get back to daily life.

What to Expect

When you arrive for your dry needling appointment, your provider will take a comprehensive history of your problem. They’ll decide if dry needling is appropriate for you and explain where and how they’ll be utilizing the needles. Electrical stimulation is often used with dry needling to address your condition.

After your appointment, you should avoid using anti-inflammatory medications but you can use acetaminophen, ice, and heat to address any post-needling soreness. Remaining active, stretching the area, and staying well hydrated can help the healing process. Results can often be seen after only a few sessions.

Dry Needling for Low Back Pain

Back pain can be debilitating. Dry needling can help by reducing muscle spasms and cramps, improving mobility, and getting rid of nerve pain going into your leg. The needles will typically be placed into the muscles around your spine, hip, and leg. Electrical stimulation may be used to stimulate muscle and nerve healing.

Dry Needling for Tennis Elbow/Golfer’s Elbow

Elbow pain is often caused by overuse such as in golf, tennis, pickleball, or other sports. When these muscles get sore they can cause pain with gripping, carrying, and elbow mobility. Dry needling can be a great alternative to medication and improve your muscle pain quickly. The needles are typically placed on the inside or outside of your elbow to “reset” these muscles and improve their function.

Dry Needling for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common disease that makes walking, standing, and getting through your daily life difficult. This disease can cause calf and ankle pain in addition to heel pain. Dry needling can be a great treatment for improving stiffness and discomfort through these areas by releasing the calf muscle, reducing heel pain, and improving your walking mechanics.

To make an appointment with one of our physical therapists who specializes in dry needling, call 207.828.2100 or complete this form.