If you are searching for an effective treatment for musculoskeletal issues and pain conditions near you, dry needling may be the solution you need. Dry needling, or trigger point dry needling, is a specialized form of manual therapy where a certified physical therapist will insert fine, sterile needles into specific points on a patient’s body. These specific points are also known as trigger points or myofascial trigger points. These trigger points are often made up of tight bands of muscle fiber. They can be tender to the touch and cause pain or discomfort. The intention of dry needling is to help release these trigger points and decrease muscle tension and pain.
Benefits of dry needling
Seeking out dry needling as a treatment choice near you can provide you with a number of benefits, including:
- Pain relief — Dry needling can be very effective in providing pain relief. By targeting the trigger points and releasing any muscle tension, it can help alleviate acute and chronic pain.
- Improved range of motion — By releasing tight muscles and fascia, dry needling can help improve your joint mobility and flexibility. These may be limited due to muscle tightness or injury.
- Improved muscle function — Muscle imbalances and dysfunction can be restored with this treatment. This improvement can lead to you seeing improved strength, coordination and overall physical performance.
- Reduced muscle spasms — If you find yourself suffering from muscle spasms or cramps, you may find relief through this treatment. It can help to relax spasming muscles and reduce the intensity and frequency.
- Boosted healing — Dry needling can help accelerate your body’s natural healing process. This is through increased blood circulation to the affected area. Boosted circulation provides the area with more oxygen and nutrients. These are necessary for effective healing.
Risks of dry needling
To make a fully informed decision about seeking dry needling treatment near you, it is important to weigh the risks. The risks and the benefits of any treatment should be discussed with your physical therapist or health care provider. This is considered a safe treatment when performed by trained and licensed practitioners. However, it is not completely without risks, including:
- Soreness — After your session, you may experience some temporary soreness or discomfort at the site that was treated. This soreness and discomfort usually subsides in a few days.
- Discomfort — While it is generally well tolerated, it is possible you may find the sensation of the insertion of needles to be uncomfortable.
- Bruising — You may develop some mild bruising at the needle insertion sites.
- Infection — Although the needles used in sessions are sterile, there is still a slight risk of infection. Practitioners should be following strict hygiene protocols to minimize infection risk.
- Collapsed lung — In very rare cases, there is a risk of a collapsed lung if the needle is accidentally inserted too deeply in the upper back or chest. This is incredibly rare and can be avoided with proper training and technique.
- Bleeding — Individuals with a bleeding disorder or those taking blood-thinner medications may have an increased risk for excessive bleeding during treatment.
These risks can be mitigated by only seeking dry needling near you that is performed by a qualified physical therapist who has been through specific training and certification.
Conditions that can benefit from dry needling
There are a variety of conditions that can benefit from adding dry needling as a treatment option. If you have any of these conditions and have weighed the benefits and risks of this treatment with your physical therapist, you may find relief once treatment starts. Conditions that may benefit include:
- Tension headaches and migraines — Dry needling can target trigger points in the neck and upper back. It can help reduce the frequency and intensity of tension headaches and migraines.
- Lower back pain — This treatment can help address lower back pain you are experiencing.
- Muscle strains — If you are suffering from muscle tension due to a muscle strain, dry needling can help relieve the tension and promote healing.
- Neck pain and whiplash — If you have neck pain or whiplash injury, this treatment may help release your tight neck muscles.
- Plantar fasciitis — This can be beneficial in addressing tightness and pain in your plantar fascia and calf muscles.
- Frozen shoulder — If you are experiencing frozen shoulder limiting your mobility and causing you pain, this treatment may help.
- Osteoarthritis — Seeking this treatment for osteoarthritis may help you manage your pain and improve your joint functioning.
Looking for dry needling near you? Look no further than REPAIR SI
Online search or recommendation, looking for dry needling near you can bring you to REPAIR SI. We have certified and licensed practitioners on staff who can help you begin your treatment. Incorporating dry needling into your treatment program may help you find pain relief and improve your musculoskeletal health. We can help you fully weigh the benefits and risks of the treatment and determine if it can be beneficial for your specific condition and goals. Together we can work toward the best possible outcome for your recovery journey.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.