Relieving Pain and Tension with Dry Needling

Dry Needling Therapy

Physical Therapist, Elaine Ryan explains how Dry Needling is used to treat trigger points, relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and increase range of movement. This method is often used to treat sports injuries, muscle pain, and even fibromyalgia pain. Dry Needling is not a cure-all, but it can really help in combination with corrective/prescriptive exercises from a physical therapist.

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What is Dry Needling?

Dry Needling is a manual therapy technique that uses a thin stainless steel needle inserted into the tissue to treat various conditions. Dry Needling was initially used to treat primarily trigger points. Inserting the needle into that trigger point that causes so much muscle pain and disability that it causes an increase of a chemical reaction at the nerve ending. In turn, it stimulates the muscle to contract and relax. The response and effects are almost immediate. Dry Needling is very well documented, and it’s based on western medical research and its principals.

Drying Needling is used to Treat:

Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture

Dry Needling Needling uses the same tool as acupuncture—it is with a different theoretical purpose. Acupuncture is intended to unblock energy along specific meridians and help create balance throughout the body. Dry Needling at Horizon Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine focuses on inserting the needle into the specific trigger point that is causing the pain or discomfort In everyday terms: acupuncture goes around the area and dry needling go directly to the cause.

What can I expect with functional dry needling?

You may or may not feel the insertion of the needle. Many people may report a deep muscle ache with the treatment which is an indication to the clinician that the treatment is eliciting the desired response. After treatment, increased range of motion, decreased muscle tension, and improved muscle activation are typically the desired outcomes. Soreness in the targeted muscle is normal up to 2-3 days after treatment as well.

Does Dry Needling hurt?

Dry needling may present with some initial minor discomfort, but the pain is only fleeting and should pass within seconds. Upon insertion of the needle into a specific trigger point you should feel an initial sting of pain, but this only lasts about a second. The insertion of the dry needle should bring on a twitching response in the muscle, as previously mentioned. This can sometimes result in a dull, deep ache or a cramping sensation within the targeted muscle during the therapy session.

How will I feel after a Dry Needling treatment?

While some patients report relief from pain and tension after just one session, multiple sessions may be necessary for maximum results. Some patients experience a renewed range-of-motion after one dry needling session; although consistent therapy is required to fully heal a chronic, or long-term strain. After each Dry Needling session, you will most likely feel sore and tender in both the treated muscle and surrounding area. Tenderness can last a few hours, or up to two days post-therapy. Pain can be alleviated with an ice pack or heat as directed by your therapist.

Direct Access to Physical Therapy

No referral is needed. We offer a variety of specialized physical therapy services in the Lowcountry where you can get help from our trusted and expert therapists. We have locations in Hilton Head, Bluffton, and Okatie. Call today to start your physical therapy evaluation.