What is Dry Needling?
Dry Needling is a technique used by many different healthcare professionals. It involves thin, filiform, stainless-steel needles that penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points, muscular/connective tissues, and even bony surfaces. The namesake of “dry” needling means that the needle does not contain any medication or injection.
Dry needling is not inherently acupuncture but uses similar acupoints throughout the body. The main difference is that acupuncture uses the acupoints with an intent to alter organ systems, to treat diseases, and to alter the flow of energy or “Qi” – pronounced “Chee.” Dry needling uses the acupoints strictly to affect neuro-musculo-skeletal structures/conditions.
Dry needling is used to ease painful musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions by targeting tissues and structures that are not manually palpable with our hands.
Is Dry Needling Right for me?
There are many different thought processes as to why a practitioner may decide to offer dry needling as a part of your treatment plan.
Research shows it can be useful in specific acute pathologies such as plantar fasciitis or muscle strains, as well as for chronic/nagging injuries and conditions, such as osteoarthritis. Of course these are simply examples and not an exhaustive list.
For me personally, unless a patient has had good success with dry needling in the past, I will likely try manual therapy and exercise first for a few visits and see if the pain improves with just that. If pain persists, I am more likely to try dry needling followed by exercise to try something a little bit more aggressive. As clinicians we never want you to have to rely on us or any services we offer. Our goal is to get you as functional as possible and maintain your strength/optimal function on your own. Dry needling is an amazing tool that is useful for a variety of conditions, but it is never the only treatment you will receive from us.
If you are curious if dry needling can help your specific condition, reach out to us and we can give you more specific information on your unique case!
Is Dry Needling Painful?
The short answer is that yes, it CAN be. Although, if the pain that brought you in is nagging/sharp/intense and affecting all of your daily activities, dry needling will be no more painful than that and for a much shorter amount of time. Sometimes people don’t feel it at all, and often patients are surprised at how little they feel.
Will dry needling affect me the rest of the day?
No, not at all! After a dry needling treatment, you are free to do all of your normal activities, including working out. You may feel some slight soreness a day or two after but should not be affected any more than that.
Hopefully this blog helped you gain a better understanding of what dry needling is and how it may help you. Again, if you have specific questions about your unique injury or condition and whether or not dry needling can be a helpful part of your treatment plan, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
Are you an active adult or athlete living in Roswell, Johns Creek, or Alpharetta, and experiencing some pain or other issue that is holding you back? Since 2008 our proven 3 step plan has helped people stay in the game and keep doing all the awesome activities they love. Please give us a call or text at 678-400-0300.
