The Ultimate Guide To Dry Needling
Have you been wondering what the heck dry needling is?
Maybe you’ve been struggling with chronic pain or stiffness and are looking to avoid injections, medications or unnecessary surgeries with a more holistic approach.
Maybe you’ve heard of dry needling, but are left wondering — is it just the same thing as acupuncture?
Dry needling is becoming a more well known physical therapy tool in the health and wellness space, but as it gains popularity there are more questions than ever. In this blog, we’re going to answer some of the bigger questions around dry needling so you can decide if you want to reach out to a dry needling certified physical therapist near you.
What we’re going to go over in this blog:
What is dry needling?
Dry needling vs. acupuncture
What conditions can be treated with dry needling?
Who is not appropriate for dry needling?
Is dry needling safe?
Does dry needling hurt?
What are the potential side effects of dry needling?
How do I know if dry needling is right for me?
WHAT IS DRY NEEDLING?
Dry needling is a technique used to treat pain and movement impairments that uses a thin filiform needle to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying trigger points in muscle and connective tissues for the management of neuromusculoskeletal pain, tightness, and movement impairments. The term “dry” is in reference to the type of needle, which does not contain any medication. At our clinic, we typically use dry needling in conjunction with electrical stimulation to enhance the effect and help stimulate blood flow for improved healing and pain relief.
DRY NEEDLING VS. ACUPUNCTURE
What’s the difference between dry needling and acupuncture? While there are similarities, dry needling is NOT acupuncture. Acupuncture is based on eastern medicine and is typically more superficial with a whole body approach. The goal of acupuncture is to restore the body’s chi (flow of energy). Dry needling is performed by a licensed physical therapist and is based on orthopedic testing and neuroanatomy. Dry needling is based on western medicine and is supported by research. It is typically deeper than acupuncture and targets specific structures with a goal of reducing pain and muscle tension.
WHAT CONDITIONS CAN BE TREATED WITH DRY NEEDLING?
Common conditions that may benefit from dry needling include:
Trigger points
Joint issues (shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, ankle)
Tendonitis
Muscular pain/spasms
Spinal issues & low back pain
Plantar fasciitis
And much more!
WHO IS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR DRY NEEDLING?
Dry needling is not recommended for people who:
Are children under the age of 12
Are pregnant
Have a phobia of needles
Have a compromised immune system
Are taking blood thinners
Have metal allergies
Have cognitive impairments
Have a local infection or lymphedema
Have a pacemaker (specifically with use of electrical stimulation)
Not sure if dry needling is right for you? Book a discovery call to talk to one of our docs about your individual needs.
IS DRY NEEDLING SAFE?
YES. Dry needling is considered safe and effective at relieving muscle pain and stiffness.
DOES DRY NEEDLING HURT?
Often you won’t feel the needles, or you may feel a small prick. People generally report mild discomfort during dry needling and mild soreness after, however, this is normal and means we’re effecting change.
WHAT ARE POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS OF DRY NEEDLING?
The most common side effect is muscle soreness during and after the treatment, which is normal. You could also see mild bruising near the treated area. Serious side effects are extremely rare.
HOW DO I KNOW IF DRY NEEDLING IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Our expert clinicians will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine if dry needling is recommended as part of your treatment plan. Book a discovery call today to learn more about our dry needling services in Vero Beach, FL.
