What is Dry Needling?

Make pain go away faster.

You may have heard of a treatment called dry needling and wondered what exactly it is or if it’s something that may be right for you. While the name of the procedure may sound intimidating, dry needling is safe, minimally discomforting and often an effective technique for patients with certain musculoskeletal presentations.

What is dry needling?

Thin needles are placed either superficially or deeply into the trigger points. They are left in place for a few seconds or even 10-15 minutes depending on what type of pain is being treated. These needles do not inject anything, including any medication. They are used only to stimulate the muscle tissue to help relieve trigger points, knots in the muscle that are very sensitive and may be painful when touched. It may also be used to help increase range of motion that is limited by scar tissue or muscle tightness.

Does dry needling really work? What are the benefits? 

The primary benefit of dry needling is its ability to help relieve and manage your pain. It is often used alongside other treatment modalities to help reduce your pain. 

Many therapists have seen the benefits of dry needling in their patients, according to an article from PT in Motion.(link)

One patient had a myofascial disorder that left her in chronic pain. But dry needling combined with movement-based therapy helped relieve her pain and led to an 80% gain in her walking gait fluidity. 

Another patient had myofascial pain so intense he could barely walk two blocks. But dry needling plus exercise and conditioning led to him being pain free and able to play sports and play with his children. 

Dry needling isn’t a “magic cure” for pain. But when used alongside other treatments, it can help relieve pain for some people.

What types of conditions can Dry Needling treat?

  • Tendonitis

  • Tension-type headaches

  • Migraines

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive motion disorders

  • Phantom pain

  • Nocturnal cramps

  • Computer-related disorders

  • Complex regional pain syndrome

  • Post-herpetic neuralgia (pain left by shingles)

  • Joint dysfunction

  • Disk pathology

  • Radiculopathies

  • Jaw and mouth problems (like temporomandibular joint disorders)

  • Craniomandibular dysfunction

  • Whiplash associated disorders

  • Spinal dysfunction

  • Pelvic pain and other urologic syndromes

  • Limited range of motion

  • And other less common diagnoses

Book your session today

Dry needling is available as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with a chiropractic treatment plan.

Why suffer when you can start living pain free life today?