Dry needling is a buzzword right now and is likely one you have heard thrown around by your doctor or friends currently receiving physical therapy treatment. A lot of people think of acupuncture when they first hear about dry needling. They use similar needles, but the similarities start and finish there.
Thin microfilament needles are used to penetrate skin and subcutaneous tissue to address the underlying tissue directly. In most cases, the needle will be inserted into a trigger point in a muscle.
What is a trigger point you may be thinking?
A trigger point is a taut band of muscle– you likely refer to it as a knot in your muscle. This tightness restricts blood flow and oxygenation to the muscle. Without proper blood flow and oxygen, the chemical environment of the muscle itself is affected and muscle function is altered.
The needle is inserted into this area of the muscle to break up that tightness and directly address the poor blood flow and oxygen. It breaks up that tightness by causing microdamage to the muscle itself causing:
- An influx of blood flow
- Improved oxygenation of the muscle
- Normalized muscle fiber alignment
- Decreased pain signals.
Could you benefit from dry needling?
Dry needling can be used to:
- decrease muscle tightness
- address movement restrictions
- inhibit pain signals with chronic and acute pain
- improve muscle function and awareness
Almost anyone can benefit from it, but dry needling is the most effective when used in conjunction with physical therapy and exercise.
Interested but unsure?
Call us today at (703) 450-4300 and schedule an evaluation to find out if this is something you could benefit from!
Let us help you live pain free!
CLICK HERE for more information on Dry Needling!
