What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a treatment that is used by musculoskeletal providers like chiropractors, physical therapists, and athletic trainers to help reduce pain and improve movement in those experiencing certain muscle, joint, and tendon problems. It involves the use of thin, solid needles that are inserted into specific points on the body, often practitioners will target "trigger points."
Trigger points are areas of the body that feel tight and painful when compressed. They are often found in the muscles and can cause pain in those muscles or send referral pains to other parts of the body. For example, if you have a trigger point in your shoulder muscle, you may feel pain in your neck or arm.
During a dry needling treatment, the therapist will use a needle to gently target the trigger point. This can cause the muscle to twitch, then relax, which can help reduce pain and improve movement. Some practitioners also attach a small electrical current to the needles stimulating the muscle to jump or contract repeatedly.
Dry needling can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including muscle strains, tendonitis, and joint-derived pain. It is a safe and effective treatment that is used by many physical therapists and chiropractors.
If you are experiencing muscle or joint pain and think dry needling might be right for you, shoot us a message and we’d be happy to have a chat to see if we could help with your specific needs!