Dry needling is an innovative therapy used to relieve muscle pain and improve overall health. If you’re located in Scottsdale, you’re in luck as Scottsdale PT Performance offers this cutting-edge treatment. In this post, we will explore the benefits of dry needling and what you can expect during a session.
What is Dry Needling?
This method uses microfilament needles but is not traditional Chinese medicine. Dry needling is a treatment technique in which tiny filament-type needles are inserted into myofascial trigger points (known as painful knots in muscles), tendons, ligaments, or near nerves to stimulate a healing response to reduce pain and dysfunction. Our bodies can develop areas of hypersensitivity and tightness as a response to various stresses. The goal of this therapy is to alleviate pain, improve range of motion, and increase overall functionality.
Is Dry Needling like Acupunture?
Dry needling is a treatment that uses a solid filament and disposable needles, but that is where the similarity to acupuncture stops. Dry needling comes from Western medical research and principles. In contrast, acupuncture comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine, which aims to alter the flow of energy along traditional Chinese meridians for the treatment of conditions. DN is a science-based intervention for treating pain and dysfunction in musculoskeletal disorders throughout the body. It is a direct approach that treats the neuromuscular system affecting muscle tightness, joint mobility, and symptoms of pain and irritation.
How does Dry Needling Work?
Needles are placed in or around various structures in the body depending on the desired response. When the fine needle enters the affected tissue, it has numerous effects. Some Physical Therapists use Electric Dry Needling (EDN) to enhance the needling results. The effects include local mechanical, electrophysiological, neurophysiological, and chemical/cellular effects. To learn more about each effect, please read Mechanisms of Dry Needling.
The Benefits of Dry Needling
- Reduces Muscle Tension: By inserting needles into tight muscles, dry needling can help release tension and improve flexibility.
- Relieves Pain: Dry needling has been shown to be effective in treating chronic pain conditions, such as back pain and headaches.
- Improves Range of Motion: By releasing muscle tension, dry needling can help improve range of motion and reduce the risk of injury.
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session
- Consultation: Before your dry needling session, your therapist will perform a thorough evaluation to determine if this therapy is right for you.
- Needle Insertion: Once you’re comfortable, your therapist will insert thin needles into specific points in your muscle tissue. You may feel a slight pinch, but overall the process is relatively painless.
- If your therapist is trained in Electric Dry Needling (EDN), they will stimulate the needles with a ES-160 unit
- Relaxation: After the needles are inserted, you’ll be encouraged to relax and let the therapy process work.
Is Dry Needling Right For You?
If you’re looking for a non-invasive, pain-free way to relieve muscle tension and improve your overall health, dry needling might be right for you. Schedule a consultation with the experts at Scottsdale PT Performance to determine if this therapy is right for you.
Conclusion and Resources
In summary, IT band syndrome is a common condition that can cause pain and discomfort on the outside of the knee. Early diagnosis and treatment, such as activity modification and physical therapy, can help manage symptoms and prevent further injury.
If you suspect you have IT band syndrome, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist, can help develop a personalized treatment plan to manage your symptoms and prevent recurrence.
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Author
Dr. Tyler is a physical therapist and founder Scottsdale Physical Therapy & Performance in North Scottsdale, Arizona. He see golfers, athletes and active adults. His focus is offering one-on-one sessions for 1 hour focused on developing individualized programs to get you back to your goals.
If you have any questions about online programing or want to stop in for a visit, please reach out by hitting “request appointment” in the top of the page.
– Dr. Tyler PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, TPI-2
