DRY
NEEDLING
"Based on the studies published to date, we recommend [...]dry needling, compared to sham or placebo treatment, for immediate reduction of pain in patients with upperquarter MPS (myofascial pain syndrome)"
What is dry needling (DN)? Dry needling is a form of therapy in which fine needles are inserted into myofascial trigger points (painful knots in the muscle) as well as tendons or near nerves in order to stimulate a healing response in painful musculoskeletal conditions.
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We use the same kind of needle as an acupuncturist, however, we are not attempting to alter your energy or "flow of energy" along meridians. We are trying to disrupt the "pain generator" or "neurological feedback loop" from the brain, allowing the body to reignite the healing process. This pain generator is usually sourced from stress, over-use, misuse, weakness, and/or chronic pain stimuli.
Our therapists are trained and certified in DN. We use our strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics as well as clinical reasoning skills, to determine the source of pain/injury in the body. DN is only one treatment modality, used amongst others, as part of a broad physical therapy approach addressing dysfunction.
Dry Needling
A sterile, single use, fine filament needle, typically .15mm-.40mm, is inserted into the a trigger point. Patients usually experience mild soreness at the insertion point and/or a localize "twitch" response. Patients may experience drowsiness, tiredness, or dizziness, minor bleeding or bruising , and temporary pain (this is mild). Mild residual soreness is to be expected, lasting approximately 24-48 hours after treatment.
What to Expect
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Myofascial pain
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Chronic neck and low back pain
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Arthritis (OA)
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Stenosis
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Radiculopathy
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Piriformis syndrome/SIJ dysfunction referred pain
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Facet referred pain
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Tendonitis-Rotator cuff, "golfer's elbow," "tennis elbow"
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Plantar fasciitis
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TMJ
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Headaches/Migraines