If you are dealing with musculoskeletal pain or tight muscles, dry needling is a popular treatment option. It involves the insertion of thin needles into trigger points within your muscles to minimize pain and improve your range of motion. Dry needling is not acupuncture, but it is a type of manual therapy that has a wide range of benefits. This post will explore everything you need to know about dry needling, including when to get it done and its benefits.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is one of the most popular manual therapy techniques used to treat various musculoskeletal conditions. It is characterized by the insertion of sterile, thin needles into trigger points within the muscles. Trigger points - commonly known as knots - are areas of tightness within the muscles that cause pain and discomfort and sometimes limit someone's mobility. The needle stimulates the trigger point, resulting in the release of tension within the affected muscle. This release often reduces pain and improves range of motion.
Who Should Consider Dry Needling?
Anyone experiencing musculoskeletal pain and tightness can benefit from dry needling, especially if traditional treatments, such as physical therapy, have not been successful. People who suffer from headaches, neck pain, lower back pain, shoulder pain, fibromyalgia, and osteoarthritis can all benefit from this form of therapy.
However, it is important to understand that dry needling is not for everyone. Pregnant women, individuals who have a bleeding disorder, and patients with an active infection at the insertion site should refrain from dry needling therapy. A qualified specialist will review all potential risks with you before going through with the procedure.
Benefits of Dry Needling
Dry needling offers an enormous array of advantages.
What to Expect During Your Dry Needling Treatment
It's natural to feel anxious before your appointment, but a professional will help put you at ease. Your specialist will begin with a consultation, where they will review your medical history, assess your current condition, and determine if dry needling is right for you. After that, they will create a specific treatment plan tailored to your needs.
The actual treatment is simple and straightforward. The specialist will carefully insert the needle into your trigger point. You will feel pressure, but usually no pain. You may experience a mild electrical sensation during the therapy, and the muscles may twitch. This response is a sign that the procedure is working.
To learn more about dry needling, contact a professional near you.
Share2 November 2023
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