Types of Dry Needling Techniques
Dry needling therapy can be performed in various ways to target different body areas and address specific conditions. Here are the most common types of dry-needling techniques:
Trigger-Point Dry Needling
Trigger-point dry needling involves inserting special needles into highly sensitive areas of muscles or tissues called trigger points. These areas often contain tight knots of muscle tissue that can be extremely painful. By stimulating the muscle with the needle, physiotherapists can release the tension and alleviate the pain.
Superficial Dry Needling
Superficial dry needling is a technique that involves inserting needles into the skin, but not too deeply. Physiotherapists often employ the superficial dry needling technique when treating sensitive areas of the body, like the muscles in the lower back.
Deep Dry Needling
Deep dry needling is used to treat long-standing spine-related conditions. In this technique, physiotherapists use longer needles to access and manipulate deeper muscle tissues causing pain. This allows them to effectively target and treat the root cause of the patient's symptoms.
By understanding the differences between these dry-needling techniques, you can work with your physiotherapist to determine the best approach for your needs and conditions.
Benefits of Dry Needling Therapy
This therapy technique can help patients suffering from acute or chronic pain, irrespective of the issue. Dry needling therapy is extremely helpful in treating back pain, plantar fasciitis, back pain, and other neuromusculoskeletal issues. Some direct advantages of this therapy include the following:
- Improved muscle performance
- Improved nerve function
- Stops the formation of scar tissues
- Improved integrity of tendons and ligaments
- Consistent pain relief
- Reduction in myofascial and tissue inflammation
- Stimulation of the nervous system boosts healthy blood flow.
- Deactivates painful trigger points (tight knots in the muscles) that develop after injuries
- Reduces muscular tension
- Prevents nerve irritations
- Minimizes swelling
- Encourages homeostasis (the natural healing process of the body)
Conditions That Can Benefit from Dry Needling Therapy
Dry needling is a versatile physical therapy technique that can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility for various musculoskeletal conditions. It is an effective treatment for a variety of conditions, including:
- Chronic lower back pain
- Neck pain
- Pelvic pain
- Elbow pain (e.g., tennis elbow)
- Spinal dysfunctions, such as ankylosing spondylitis, basilar invagination, myelopathies, osteoporosis, kyphosis, and vertebral fractures
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ)
- Repetitive motion disorders (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome)
- Degenerative disk diseases
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunctions
- Sciatica
- Tendinitis
- Migraines
- Night cramps
If you're experiencing any of these conditions, dry needling therapy may be a safe and effective treatment option to consider. Consult a licensed physical therapist to learn whether dry needling suits your needs and condition.
Factors to Consider for Dry Needling Therapy Suitability
This physical therapy should be avoided by patients who suffer from -
- Acute inflammation in specific locations of the body
- People with cysts, tumors, and other abnormal skin lesions in their bodies
- People who have varicose veins and abnormal bleeding tendencies
- People with compromised auto-immune systems due to pre-existing health conditions
- Diabetes patients
- Pregnant women
- Epileptics
- Children
Risks of Dry Needling Therapy
The most common side effect of professional dry needling is soreness in the treated muscles. This usually lasts a day or two, after which the area should start to feel looser and more mobile. Despite this temporary discomfort, many people find that the benefits experienced from dry needling therapy outweigh the initial soreness.
Get the Most Out of Professional Dry Needling Therapy
One way to ensure you get the most out of your professional dry-needling therapy is to listen to the body and be aware of any changes after treatment. Speak with your physical therapist about any changes or concerns you might have so that your therapy can be adjusted as needed. Additionally, make sure to follow up with any stretches or exercises your physical therapist may have recommended getting the most benefit from your therapy.
Dry Needling Therapy Cost
The cost of professional dry needling will vary depending on the spot being treated and the session duration. Generally, professional dry needling is covered by most insurance plans. However, it is important to check with your provider to ensure that dry needling is covered.
In summary, professional dry needling could be the solution for you if you're looking for a safe and effective way to reduce pain and inflammation and speed up your recovery from musculoskeletal conditions. It can also help with scar tissue, circulation, and range of motion. It's important to seek an experienced physical therapist to perform the treatment and discuss insurance coverage and the number of sessions needed based on your needs. Don't hesitate to ask your physical therapist for more information on how professional dry needling can benefit you.
If you want to alleviate your pain and improve your mobility, schedule a consultation with our physical therapist today to explore your options and determine the best suitable course of treatment for your needs.
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