Physical therapy is really helpful for people recovering from injuries or chronic conditions, but alongside exercises and manual therapy, a technique called dry needling is becoming increasingly popular.
If you’ve heard of this treatment but aren’t sure exactly what it entails (or if it’s something that might work for you), read on to find out more.
Understanding Dry Needling
Dry needling is a method physical therapists use to ease muscle pain and improve movement. Unlike acupuncture which focuses on energy flow, this treatment targets tight muscles to reduce pain and boost mobility. It aims to reduce pain, improve muscle function, and help with movement. This technique works well for various issues but especially well for chronic pain and sports injuries. Other issues it works brilliantly for include back pain, neck pain, headaches, muscle strains, tendonitis, fibromyalgia and sciatica. Dry needling is used alongside other treatments like customized exercises and therapy, and the idea is to find the exact spots where muscles are tight or painful.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
Thin needles are gently inserted into tight muscles, which helps them to relax and release tension. By doing this, it can make the recovery of the muscle quicker. Many people like dry needling because it doesn’t involve drugs, and the needles are very thin, so it doesn’t hurt very much. It’s a gentle way to help the body heal itself. Pinpointing problem areas helps muscles relax and speeds up recovery. When it’s performed by a qualified and trained physical therapist like ASR Sports Medicine, dry needling is generally safe with minimal side effects. However, potential risks such as minor bruising, soreness, or rare complications like infection can occur, so be sure to research your physical therapist well.
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session
During a dry needling session, your therapist will start by talking with you about your health and what you want to achieve with the sessions. They’ll then explain how the dry needling works and answer any questions you have. Next, they’ll gently put thin needles into specific areas of tightness or pain in your muscles- the session usually lasts around 15 to 30 minutes. Afterwards, your therapist will give you tips on how to help you feel better, like resting and drinking water. Knowing what happens during the session can help you feel more at ease.
Why Educate Patients?
Patient education is crucial in dry needling- when they learn about their pain and how dry needling can help, it can help them grasp the nature of their pain and how this specific treatment fits into their overall treatment plan. They also get tips on exercises and lifestyle changes to aid recovery and prevent future issues. Patient health education, in general, essentially gives people the keys to their healing journey; it creates a sense of ownership and collaboration with healthcare workers. The same is true in dry needling; knowing why they’re experiencing specific pain and what the treatment can do to help puts them in control and allows them to understand it better.
Measuring Success
Dry needling isn’t just about reducing pain but also about moving better, feeling stronger, and performing daily tasks without trouble. Everyone’s journey will look different, but the goal is always to improve overall well-being.
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