WHAT IS DRY NEEDLING?

Trigger Point Dry Needling (TDN) uses a thin, microfilament needle to penetrate the skin and the underlying muscle and/or connective tissue to release myofascial trigger points that have become over-active and painful.

It’s utilized to treat dysfunctions in skeletal muscle, fascia and connective tissue by restoring normal length, tension and relationship between the tissues. In conjunction with chiropractic adjustments, manual therapy, and a comprehensive therapeutic exercise program, Trigger Point Dry Needling can be utilized to treat a wide assortment of conditions, even when more invasive treatment options have failed. 

Dry Needling can work wonders for people with:

  • Migraine Headaches
  • Tennis Elbow
  • Rotator Cuff Tears
  • Chronic Pain

ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS?

TDN is a safe, effective, and relatively pain-free way to treat acute and chronic symptoms.

With Trigger Point Dry Needling patients can notice:

  • Relief form Referred Pains
  • Improvements in ROM
  • Reduced Muscular Tension

Few patients may experience some residual soreness following treatment. Most compare this soreness to the muscle soreness felt after a hard work out. Similarly, the soreness will usually subside 24-48 hours following treatment.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DRY NEEDLING AND ACUPUNCTURE?

The short answer is the intent of the treatment.

According to John’s Hopkins Medicine, “Acupuncture is part of the ancient practice of Traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways or meridians. These pathways create an energy flow (Qi, pronounced "chee") through the body that is responsible for overall health. Disruption of the energy flow can cause disease. By applying acupuncture to certain points, it is thought to improve the flow of Qi, thereby improving health.” Often times Acupuncture can be a whole body experience as the meridian lines flow through out the body.

Contrary to Acupuncture, TDN does not follow any pre-determined pathways, nor does it seek to correct “energy flows”. Rather, each Dry Needling treatment is customized to address the specific tissues causing pain in the individual patient receiving the treatment.