Dry Needling

Discover How Dry Needling Can Help You!

What is Dry Needling Physical Therapy

Dry needling is a highly effective method for pain relief and improved mobility. Also known as intramuscular stimulation (IMS) or trigger point dry needling (TDN), it's a safe and efficient treatment that aims to achieve two primary goals:

1. Relax myofascial trigger points.
2. Restore normal muscle tone, length, coordination, function, and strength.

Unlike traditional physical therapy techniques like therapeutic massage, dry needling targets muscle tissue that's difficult to manipulate manually. It's called "dry" needling because the needles used do not inject any medication or solution into the body.

Dry needling goes by various names, including:

• Trigger point dry needling
• Myofascial trigger point dry needling
• Intramuscular manual therapy (IMT)
• Intramuscular stimulation

Who Would Benefit from Dry Needling Physical Therapy?

Dry needling is a versatile technique that offers numerous benefits for those undergoing physical therapy. By targeting tight muscles, alleviating spasms, and enhancing range of motion, it can effectively reduce pain, improve functionality, and expedite healing. Moreover, dry needling addresses underlying issues related to muscle movement and function, thereby aiding in the prevention of future injuries. As a non-invasive, safe, and complementary therapy, it is suitable for a wide range of individuals.

Dry needling has demonstrated efficacy in treating various conditions, including:

• Head and neck pain, such as whiplash, headaches/migraines, and degenerative joint diseases.
• Otological and opthamological pain, including tinnitus and eye strain.
• Dental and orthodontic pain, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction and tooth impaction.
• Shoulder pain, including rotator cuff muscle tears and adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder).
• Elbow pain, such as lateral and medial epicondylitis (tennis and golfer's elbow).
• Hand and wrist pain, including carpal tunnel syndrome and DeQuervain's syndrome.
• Back and hip pain, including lumbar degenerative disc disease and herniated discs.
• Knee pain, including degenerative joint diseases like osteoarthritis.
• Shin, ankle, and foot pain, such as shin splints and plantar fasciitis.
• Athletic and sports-related overuse injuries.
• Post-surgical and post-traumatic pain.
• Chronic pain conditions like myofascial pain syndrome (MPS).

This comprehensive approach makes dry needling an effective option for individuals seeking relief from a wide range of acute and chronic musculoskeletal issues.

What Can I Expect During Dry Needling

Dry needling involves the insertion and repetitive manipulation of a thin, solid filament needle into a trigger point to induce an involuntary spinal cord reflex known as a local twitch response (LTR). The aim is to cause knotted muscles to contract and then relax. This is achieved by inserting the needle into the muscle membrane (fascia) to create a twitch response, which depolarizes the tissue.

During the treatment, the needles are slowly inserted into tight muscles, gently manipulated, and then removed after a short period. This process may be repeated in other trigger points in different areas of the body as needed. The result is lasting muscle relaxation, achieved through the release of shortened muscle fibers in overactive muscles or the activation of underactive ones.

Deactivating trigger points can provide immediate relief of symptoms, allowing the therapist to train the muscles to work with the newly gained pain-free range of motion (ROM). While most patients report little to no discomfort during dry needling, some may experience a "twitch response" upon needle insertion, similar to a quick muscle cramp or ache.

It's normal to experience muscle soreness in the 24-48 hours following a dry needling session, but this should resolve on its own. Our highly trained physical therapists are skilled in minimizing discomfort during the procedure.

Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture

Dry needling and acupuncture both involve the insertion and manipulation of thin needles beneath the skin to alleviate pain by triggering the release of endorphins and serum cortisol. However, despite their shared use of needles, there are distinct differences between these two practices.

Firstly, the practitioners of dry needling and acupuncture undergo different training programs tailored to their respective techniques. Physical therapists typically perform dry needling, whereas acupuncturists specialize in acupuncture.

Moreover, the origins of these practices differ significantly. Dry needling is rooted in Western research and medicine, while acupuncture is deeply entrenched in Chinese tradition.

One of the key distinctions lies in their therapeutic approaches. Dry needling primarily targets muscular issues, utilizing stimulation within the muscle to alleviate pain and promote healing. Conversely, acupuncture operates on the principle of channel theory, aiming to restore balance and harmony within the body's energy pathways to facilitate natural healing processes.

Understanding these differences can help individuals make informed decisions when considering these treatments for pain management and overall wellness.

Dry Needling & Your Complete Treatment Plan

Dry needling is a proven and safe method for addressing pain and tension associated with various conditions and injuries. Working closely with you, your physical therapist will assess the root cause of your discomfort and determine whether incorporating dry needling into your comprehensive treatment plan would be beneficial. Living in Connecticut grants you Direct Access to physical therapy, allowing you to receive evaluation and treatment directly from a licensed Physical Therapist without needing a prescription from your Physician. We accept most major insurance plans, though coverage may vary. Many insurance plans cover physical therapy, occupational therapy, and specialized therapy programs.

For further details about Dry Needling or to schedule an appointment, please contact Independence Physical Therapy at 860-536-1001 (Mystic office) or 860-892-8683 (Uncasville office).

Our facilities are open six days a week across two convenient locations, with late afternoon and evening appointments available mid-week, specifically tailored for athletes.

Dry Needling Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear?

Feel free to wear loose clothing to ensure easy access to the body part we'll be needling while maintaining your comfort and modesty.

What does it feel like?

During the procedure, you may experience a slight pinch as the needle is inserted. Once it reaches the target area, you might feel a deep, achy sensation or cramping, which is typically short-lived. The entire process usually takes about 10-15 minutes.

How soon should I expect results?

Results vary from person to person, with some individuals noticing immediate improvement. While mild soreness may occur initially, most people experience noticeable changes within 24-48 hours.

How does this work with Physical Therapy?

Dry needling is typically incorporated into a standard physical therapy regimen. If you and your therapist determine that dry needling would be beneficial, you'll receive needling once a week in addition to your regular therapy sessions.

What are the side effects?

The primary side effect is temporary soreness in the needled area, which typically lasts 1-3 days. Your provider will review your medical history and allergies to identify any potential additional side effects.

Are there any risks?

While there are some risks associated with specific areas being needled, they are generally minimal and easily avoidable. Your provider will discuss these risks with you in detail.