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Dry Needling

Dry needling is a modern treatment technique designed to ease muscular pain. In this procedure, small filiform needles that don’t inject fluid into the body (that’s why the term “dry” is used) are inserted into myofascial trigger points (known as painful knots in muscles), tendons, ligaments, or near nerves in order to stimulate a healing response. The needles will remain in your skin for a short period of time with the goal of permanently reducing pain and dysfunction. Dry needling is also sometimes called intramuscular stimulation. It has been shown that our bodies can develop areas of hypersensitivity and tightness as a response to various stresses, i.e. postural, repetitive movements, psychological, emotional, etc. These areas are most likely to develop along tissues that are dysfunctional due to interruption of the nerves that innervate them. This can be caused by nerve compression in a limb or in the spine from such things.

More specifically, dry needling has been shown to have many physiological mechanisms to reduce pain and disability, such as:

•     Local Mechanical Effects
•     Electrophysiological Effects
•     Neurophysiological Effects
•     Chemical/Cellular Effects

Dry needling could be very helpful for physiotherapists, who are much more likely to treat musculoskeletal conditions, sports injuries, back and neck pain, and neurological conditions. Dry needling can also be used in both acute and chronic injuries. Often, the primary reason for choosing dry needling is due to a neuromuscular condition which could be acute or not responding to musculoskeletal therapy/exercise, and there may be myofascial trigger points that are contributing to impaired body structure, pain, and functional limitation.

Dry needling doesn’t have to be used in isolation. This technique is often combined with acupuncture and other treatment methods, such as exercise, manipulation, joint mobilization, and self-management strategies, to further enhance treatment outcomes.

If you find yourself looking for the best treatment methods for your healing process, Dr. Newman has successfully helped patients for over 40 years. Call for your appointment today at 305-666-1402.