Have you ever wondered what the benefits of dry needling in physical therapy are? If you suffer from chronic pain, inflammation, or muscle tension, you may benefit from it. In physical therapy settings, dry needling is especially beneficial to help restore range of motion, reduce chronic pain, and decrease inflammation.
Since our therapists have become certified in dry needling, we have had many patients inquire about what dry needling really is. Some people think that dry needling is the same as acupuncture but in reality, it’s not.
What is Dry Needling?
Perhaps you’ve heard of a procedure called dry needling and are unsure if it’s beneficial to you. Despite the intimidating name, dry needling is a widely available and affordable therapy for those who may suffer with:
Dry needling is the process of inserting a tiny needle into a “trigger point” in a tight, painful, or underperforming muscle. The goal is to release the trigger point which increases muscle flexibility and performance while decreasing pain and symptoms.
The term “dry” refers to the fact that the needle is not injecting any fluid, as opposed to a vaccine. These dry needles are solely used to heal trigger points by puncturing the skin and reaching the trigger points in the muscle in order to alleviate localized or referred pain and improve the range of motion.