What You Should Know About Dry Needling

Have you heard about a treatment called dry needling being recommended by your therapist or physician? Well, here’s the 411 on this skilled treatment that is bringing relief to many patients experiencing pain from one of the conditions listed below.

What is Dry Needling?

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, dry needling is a technique physical therapists use (where allowed by state law) to treat myofascial pain. Myofascial pain, or “trigger point” pain is often the source of chronic pain and dysfunction and often happens after repeated injury or muscle overuse. Symptoms include persistent pain or a tender muscle knot.

How does it work?

During an evaluation, we assess our patients with a detailed and specific muscle examination to determine a individualized treatment plan that may include dry needling procedures.

The technique uses a “dry” needle, one without medication or injection, inserted through the skin into areas of the muscle, known as trigger points. Other terms commonly used to describe dry needling, include trigger point dry needling, and intramuscular manual therapy.

Is Dry Needling Acupuncture?

Dry needling is not acupuncture, a practice based on traditional Chinese medicine and performed by acupuncturists. Dry needling is a part of modern Western medicine principles, and supported by research.

Where can I find this treatment?

Physical therapists at Therapy Center of Jennings are certified to perform dry needling services to treat certain conditions. Our Carencro and Sunset outpatient clinics will also soon be offering these services so stay tuned to our website!

Typical conditions that respond to dry needling include:

  • Fibromyalgia / Chronic pain
  • Hip, Leg & Knee Pain
  • Shoulder, Elbow, & Wrist Pain
  • Headaches / Jaw Pain
  • Plantar Faciitis / Achilles Tendonitis
  • Back Pain / SI Joint Dysfunction
  • Shin splints
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Tennis elbow
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Repetitive strain injuries & Muscle Spasms
  • Hamstring strains/ Sciatic/ Buttock pain

What others have to say about their dry needling experience.

“I’ve suffered from neck and upper back pain for years. I felt like I was in a constant shoulder shrug. I’ve tried stretches, exercises, massage, and I’ve never fully felt relief until I went to see Kim. She was amazing! She took the time to explain what to expect before we started, and she walked me through everything as she proceeded with the treatment. I’ve done dry needling before (several times, years ago), so I knew what I was getting myself into. 1 session of dry needling with Kim, and I’ve been pain free for weeks. She’s got the magic touch! I’m so incredibly grateful for her. When you’ve been in constant pain for a long period of time you almost forget what it feels like to be pain free. Well it’s all coming back to me now! Thank you so much!” – Kayla

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For more information on dry needling and what to expect after treatment, view our information graphic below.

Our therapists are also available for consultations on treatments techniques and how it may impact you. They can be reached at 337-824-4547.

Keep updated with tips like these on the Outpatient Services section of our blog.

 

 

 

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