Dry Needling

What is Dry Needling Physical Therapy?

Dry needling involves inserting a thin needle into your skin to stimulate the underlying muscle and connective tissues. It’s called dry needling because this treatment doesn’t involve injecting any medication like steroids or anesthetics.

Dry needling relieves pain, reduces muscle tension, and improves range of motion without using any drugs. 

How Does Dry Needling Therapy Work?

During your dry needling session, your physical therapist will insert one or multiple thin needles in or around your trigger point. They may rotate the needle, causing the muscle to twitch. This shows that the treatment is working.

What is Trigger Point Dry Needling?

A trigger point is a tight or contracted band of muscle fiber. The taut muscle fiber may disrupt normal muscle function and decrease range of motion. Trigger points also cause pain at the site of the knot, as well as pain that radiates to other areas of your body. 

You can develop trigger points from injury or overuse. Trigger points occur all over the body and may be the source of your neck, back, shoulder, or leg pain. 

Dry needling inactivates the trigger point to restore normal muscle function, alleviate pain, and improve mobility.  

Am I a Candidate for Dry Needling?

The team at MPOWER Physical Therapy determines if you would benefit from dry needling during an evaluation. They may consider you a candidate if you have painful trigger points that impede your rehabilitation, athletic performance, or recovery from a sports injury. 

You may be a candidate for dry needling if you have any of the following conditions:  

• Migraines
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Joint problems
• Knee pain

What are the Benefits of Dry Needling?

Dry needling physical therapy has several healing benefits. It can help to relax muscles, improve mobility, speed up recovery from injury, and alleviate pain!

What Does Dry Needling Feel Like?

Dry needling is done using needles so thin that some patients may not feel the insertion of the needle. Others may feel a slight pinch, but the pain is fleeting and well-tolerated by most patients. Your provider may insert several needles during your session, but they only keep the needles in place for a few minutes before removing them. 

Your physical therapist may move the needle to reach trigger points. When this occurs, you may feel your muscle twitch.

Dry needling is different for everyone, so ask your physical therapist what you can expect based on your condition.

What Can I Expect After Dry Needling?

After your dry needling session, you may feel sore for 1-2 days. In addition, you may have some bruising around the area of treatment. If you have any questions or concerns after treatment, contact your physical therapist.

Who Can Perform Dry Needling?

Dry needling must be performed by a physical therapist who has a dry needling certification. Call us or book online to schedule an appointment with a dry needling physical therapist.

If you don’t live near Nashville or Franklin, TN, research the best dry needling near you.