Dry needling is an excellent modality for treating musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. It involves the use of tiny, sterile needles inserted into trigger points in muscles. These trigger points are areas of tension or tightness that can cause pain, inflammation, and even functional limitations. Dry needling can help if you’re dealing with muscle pain, spasms, tightness, or tissue restrictions.
Most patients undergo dry needling for the following:
- Neck and back pain
- Arm and shoulder pain
- Hip and leg pain
- Knee pain
- Foot and ankle pain
You can expect the following during your first session with your physical therapist.
An Assessment of Your Symptoms and Mobility
During the first session, your physical therapist will assess your movement pattern, muscle tone, and any areas of pain or discomfort.
Your therapist will ask about the following to get an idea of what may be causing your symptoms:
- Your medical history
- Your current medication regimen
- Your occupation and daily routine
- Your lifestyle
- What activities do you usually do
- How long you have been dealing with symptoms
An accurate assessment is crucial for designing an effective dry-needling treatment plan. Having all this information will allow your therapist to pinpoint the underlying cause of your symptoms and identify possible trigger points for needling.
Insertion of Needles Into Trigger Points
Once the assessment is complete, your therapist will give you a short explanation of how dry needling works. They will then begin inserting the needles into your trigger points. You may feel a slight prick or discomfort when the needles are inserted. The insertion of needles should not be painful and usually feels like an intense sensation of pressure.
The needles typically stay in the muscles for a few minutes, during which your therapist will use manual techniques to help relax the muscle. The needling may be done multiple times over one or more sessions, depending on your symptoms and response.
The duration and frequency of treatment will depend on the following:
- The severity of your condition
- How you react to the needling
- How quickly symptoms return
Your physical therapist may also incorporate other modalities such as manual therapy or stretching into your treatment plan.
Aftercare Guidelines
At the end of the session, your physical therapist will provide you with aftercare instructions to help maintain your progress. This may include the following:
- Avoiding certain activities
- Applying cold or hot packs
- Taking supplements as recommended
It is important to follow the guidelines prescribed by your therapist.
When to Get Dry Needling
Dry needling may be a good option for relieving your pain and restoring normal function. It can help with the following conditions:
- Tendinitis – the inflammation of a tendon
- Myofascial pain – pain in the muscles and tissues due to tightness or trigger points
- Muscle spasms – sudden, forceful contractions that can cause severe pain
- Headaches – tension headaches caused by tight muscles
- Sports injuries – sprains, strains, and ligament tears
- Rotator cuff injuries – shoulder pain due to tears or impingement
- Fibromyalgia – a chronic condition characterized by pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances
- Plantar fasciitis – heel pain due to excessive strain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome – pain and numbness in the wrist
- TMJ – temporomandibular joint pain
Dry needling can be great in helping you manage pain and restore normal function. However, it’s important to consult with your physical therapist to make sure it is the right treatment for you. They will be able to assess your condition and can recommend the best treatment plan for your individual needs.
Choosing the Best Physical Therapy Clinic
To get the best results from your dry needling treatment, it is important to choose a reliable physical therapy clinic. The clinic should have highly trained physical therapists who specialize in dry needling and have extensive experience.
Look for a clinic that offers comprehensive services, such as manual therapy, ultrasound, electric stimulation, and other modalities. The clinic should also have friendly and knowledgeable staff who make you feel comfortable during interactions.
Dry Needling Near You in Paducah, KY
Dry needling can be an effective tool for reducing pain and restoring normal function. With the right physical therapy clinic, you can expect to get the best results from treatment. During your first session, your physical therapist will explain the procedure and provide you with aftercare instructions. Remember to follow their advice for optimal results.
Searching for a clinic that offers dry needling near you in Paducah? H2 Health has over 135 physical therapy facilities in Florida and across the United States. Call us at (800) 699-9395, so we can address your questions and concerns. You can also use our secure appointment request form to book a consultation. Unsure if you need therapy? We offer complimentary screenings to help you gauge your condition and decide!
