Is Dry Needling For Me?

If you suffer from a form of neuromusculoskeletal pain, you've probably researched all the possible ways to ease the discomfort, and maybe, by this time, you've seen the term dry needling on the internet. While its name can be intimidating for a group of people with needle phobia, this treatment is more tolerable than its name suggests.

Dry needling is a treatment performed by skilled physical therapists certified in the procedure. A thin monofilament needle penetrates the skin to treat underlying muscular trigger points to manage neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments. In other words, this therapy uses a single needle to reduce muscle tightness, increase blood flow, and reduce local pain.

Still, not everyone is pro-dry needling. People with a needle phobia or who suffer anxiety around needles tend to see this therapy as scary ad probably painful. It is not. While you can imagine experiencing pain due to the needle, this process is tolerable, and the discomfort patients feel it's nothing compared to the discomfort they came to ease in the first place (neuromusculoskeletal pain is more limiting than being needled).

The discomfort that comes with dry needling is the local response of the muscle treated. When the therapist inserts the needle into a trigger point, the muscle knot loosens, and releasing a trigger point causes biochemical and biomechanical effects within the body. This reaction helps restore blood circulation in the muscle, reduces or eliminates pain, increases range of motion, and causes the muscle to relax.

Dry needling effectively decreases muscle tightness and pain in the neck, back, shoulders, arms, head, jaw, and legs. Issues such as carpal tunnel, sciatica, tennis elbow, migraines, hamstring strains, and backaches are usually treated with dry needling techniques. Still, dry needling is almost always part of a more complex physical therapy plan.

Is dry needling for you? We will absolutely encourage you to try it if you suffer from any of the above-mentioned conditions!

Dry needling is an affordable method to eliminate pain in your life and live entirely pain-free. This technique solves various musculoskeletal issues and isn't restricted to anyone. Our physical therapists in Oshkosh, WI, are ready to help you feel your best! Visit Orthopedics & Spine Therapy website to discover more about our wellness services.