Dry Needling addresses pain and tightness in a variety of muscles. It’s a Western method of treatment that research supports as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to optimize function. The doctors at ChiroFit in Barrington, Illinois, offer dry needling as part of their physical therapy and chiropractic treatments. Consult with ChiroFit to learn more about how dry needling can help your soft tissue injuries feel better quickly. Call ChiroFit or use the online booking agent to make an appointment.
Dry needling is a soft tissue therapy technique that involves inserting super fine filament needles into specific muscular trigger points. Dry needling resets the neuromuscular inputs currently in place in a muscle, leading to its relaxation and a decrease in pain.
Dry needling helps alleviate immediate pain and discomfort, but it also treats the root of the problem causing your symptoms. When the tiny needle is inserted into a trigger point or knot in your muscle, it “resets” the dysfunctional muscle by quieting the overactive electrical activity that causes the muscle to tighten and become inflamed. The needle prompts a natural “twitch” effect that restarts the muscle and restores its natural function. Dry needling also increases circulation and reduces tension.
The needles are exceptionally thin, so you don’t feel pain due to its entry into your skin. The needle may induce some spasm or cramping at the painful site, however. You may feel slight soreness the day after treatment, but most people tolerate the therapy very well.
Acupuncture is an Eastern medicine treatment that deals with energy meridians. Dry needling specifically addresses muscular trigger points and thus has a musculoskeletal purpose. The intent of dry needling is very specific: to reset a dysfunctional muscle.
Dry needling is effective for a number of soft tissue problems caused by muscle overload, poor posture, repetitive movement, trauma, or joint dysfunction. These include:
Dry needling is also effective in helping relieve post-surgical pain.
Physical therapy and chiropractic treatments are individualized to your specific condition. You may need several treatments to experience complete relief from your pain and tightness. Dry needling is also most effective when paired with other soft tissue therapies. You may also benefit from corrective exercises that help retrain your movement patterns, so you avoid experiencing muscle dysfunction in the future.
