What is Dry Needling?
Dry Needling is a treatment modality that involves the inserting of small thin needles into the soft tissues (muscle, ligament, tendons) to decrease pain and muscle spasm, and to stimulate the healing process. Dry Needling is an effective therapy used to treat conditions such as trigger points, nerve irritation, tight or painful joints, muscle strain, spasm and pain. It is called “Dry” Needling because the needle is never used to insert medication and thus it is a solid, not hollow, needle.
How does Dry Needling differ from Acupuncture?
Dry Needling and Acupuncture use the same tiny needles but the intent of the therapist is quite different. Acupuncture attempts to influence the body’s health by inserting needles into the various meridians with the intent of making a change to the flow of energy through the meridians, and thereby influence overall health. Dry Needling on the other hand, uses the same needles to treat overactive tissues like trigger points, to help control muscle tone, inflammation, decrease pain, and to enhance joint ranges of motion.
Is Dry Needling painful?
In most instances, the insertion of the treatment needle elicits no pain. However, if inflammation is present due to muscle spasms, injuries or trigger points, the patient may feel a dull ache in the muscle or may get a twitch response.
Who can be helped by Dry Needling?
Almost anyone who is experiencing pain, muscles spams, trigger points, stiff and/or aching joints can benefit from Dry Needling. Some of the most common conditions treated by Dry Needling include the following:
- Whiplash
- Muscle Spasms
- Trigger Points
- Headaches
- Neck Pain
- Back Pain
- Shoulder pain
- Tendonitis
- Overuse Injuries
- Tennis and Golfers Elbow
- Plantar Fasciitis
Are There any Side Effects to Dry Needling?
Side effects may vary among individuals. The most common side effects are muscle soreness, skin irritation and bruising. Though these are the most common, that does not mean that side effects are common. They are quite unusual and occur infrequently.
Is Dry Needling Covered by Health Insurance?
Some insurance carriers cover dry needling, some do not. Check with your insurance carrier or call our office at 406-665-1555, and we will check your coverage for you. We want dry needling to be available for everyone.