Dry Needling is a term used for a procedure that involves placement of a needle into the muscle. This typically targets a trigger point and allows access to deeper muscle tissue. This can relieve discomfort by promoting a number of different responses in the body.
Dry needling is a form of intramuscular myofascial therapy that is often used in conjunction with many other treatments. This is an effective treatment for acute and chronic pain, rehabilitation from injury, and even pain and injury prevention, with very few side effects. This technique is unequaled in finding and eliminating neuromuscular dysfunction that leads to pain and functional deficits.
A thin needle is used to access deep tissue easily. Most patients will not even feel the needle penetrate the skin, but once it has and is advanced into the muscle, the discomfort can vary drastically. Usually a healthy muscle feels very little discomfort upon insertion of the needle; however, if the muscle is sensitive and shortened or has active trigger points within it, the subject may feel a sensation much like a muscle cramp — which is often referred to as a ‘twitch response’.
The patient may only feel the cramping sensation locally or they may feel a referral of pain and/or similar symptoms for which they are seeking treatment. A reproduction of their pain can be a helpful diagnostic indicator of the cause of the patient’s symptoms. Patients soon learn to recognize and even welcome this sensation, as it results in deactivating the trigger point, reducing pain and restoring normal length and function of the involved muscle.
Typically, positive results are apparent within 2-4 treatment sessions but can vary depending on the cause and duration of the symptoms, overall health of the patient, and experience level of the practitioner.
8711 Windsor Pkwy #7
Johnston, IA 50131
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