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Your Guide to Local Pain Relief Therapy
Are muscle knots and pain limiting your daily routine? Discover how ‘dry needling near me’ can offer rapid pain relief. This concise guide explains what dry needling involves, its benefits, and empowers you with practical steps to find qualified local providers ready to assist you.
Key Takeaways
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique that targets myofascial trigger points to relieve muscle tension and pain, enhancing function and mobility.
The practice of dry needling must be carried out by acupuncturists or certified physical therapists with specialized training, though regulations may vary by state.
Dry needling proves effective for various musculoskeletal conditions such as neck pain, frozen shoulder, and plantar fasciitis, and can be integrated into an overall pain management strategy.
Understanding Dry Needling Therapy
Dry needling, a therapeutic technique, uses sterile, disposable needles to alleviate muscle tension and pain, thereby improving function. Myofascial trigger points - knots in muscles that persist in a contracted state, are the primary targets of this dry needling treatment and are significant contributors to pain.
There are two types of dry needling. Trigger point dry needling involves inserting needles directly into myofascial trigger points to induce a local twitch response for specific pain relief and improved blood flow. On the other hand, non-trigger-point dry needling (acupuncture) places needles in the adjacent tissue to provoke a more generalized healing response.
During dry needling, most people do not feel the needle insertion. The local twitch response may cause a brief cramping or aching sensation. This discomfort is typically short-lived.
The role of acupuncturists and physical therapists in dry needling
Acupuncturists and certified physical therapists, both skilled in their unique training and approach, are qualified to perform dry needling depending on state laws. A physical therapist focuses on treating underlying musculoskeletal pain and movement impairments. An acupuncturist has more comprehensive needle training so often will take a more holistic approach and blend needling techniques.
To perform dry needling, acupuncturists, and physical therapists must acquire advanced level continuing education or other formal training in the dry needling technique. This ensures they have the expertise to offer this treatment safely and effectively.
Bear in mind, the permitted scope of practice for physical therapists in relation to dry needling differs from state to state. In New York, physical therapists are not allowed to perform trigger point dry needling unless they are a licensed acupuncturist or medical doctor with acupuncture certification.
Benefits of Dry Needling for Pain Relief
Dry needling provides numerous benefits. The technique is believed to alleviate pain by stimulating muscle trigger points, promoting muscle relaxation, and liberating opiate peptides which suppress pain signals.
Dry needling, through the alleviation of muscle tightness, bolsters movement and function. It also fosters improved blood circulation to the afflicted muscles, thereby augmenting mobility.
In short, the benefits of dry needling encompass pain relief, enhanced mobility, improved muscle function, and decreased inflammation.
Dry needling of the lower leg
Common Conditions Treated with Dry Needling
A variety of musculoskeletal conditions can be effectively addressed by dry needling. The conditions include, but are not limited to:
neck pain
frozen shoulder
plantar fasciitis
carpal tunnel syndrome
headaches
patellofemoral dysfunction
muscle dysfunction
Research has shown that dry needling offers relief from acute and chronic pain, particularly in cases of neck pain, and improves mobility. It can result in decreased pain in the first session.
Frozen shoulder, a painful condition that limits your shoulder movement and often causes muscle pain, can also be improved rapidly with dry needling, especially if there is active trigger point pain. This therapy modulates pain, reduces aberrant motor activity, and enhances shoulder range of motion.
Even conditions like plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain, can benefit from dry needling. Patients often notice changes after just one session.
How to Find a Certified Dry Needling Practitioner Near You
Although locating a certified dry needling practitioner might appear challenging, plentiful resources exist to simplify this task. When looking for a practitioner, prioritize individuals who have successfully completed an approved dry needling course of study and possess the requisite certification and credentials.
Online resources such as the Myopain Seminars Dry Needling Certification Program website are valuable places to begin your search.
You can use online directories, ask for referrals, or call local clinics directly to inquire about their offerings.
What to Expect During Your First Dry Needling Session
Your initial dry needling session will involve an evaluation, during which your therapist will inquire about your sleep patterns, level of activity, work environment, medical history, and precise details about your pain. This information helps them gain insight into your symptoms and lifestyle, and define your therapy objectives.
This initial session typically lasts around 30-60 minutes. You will discuss your medical history and receive a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
It is also a normal part of the healing process to experience soreness in the areas worked on for up to 24-72 hours after treatment.
Integrating Dry Needling into Your Pain Management Plan
The inclusion of dry needling can significantly enhance your current pain management plan. When combined with other treatments like physical therapy, chiropractic care, or corrective exercises, it can enhance the overall effectiveness of your plan. This integration can enhance pain intensity, facilitate a reduction in the perception of pain, and ultimately improve overall treatment outcomes.
In fact, dry needling can even be used alongside medication for a comprehensive approach to pain relief, potentially augmenting the effectiveness of both treatments.
Summary
In summary, dry needling is a minimally invasive therapy that targets muscle tension and trigger point pain, providing relief and improving function. Both acupuncturists and physical therapists can perform this technique, each with their own unique approach.
From treating various musculoskeletal conditions like neck pain and frozen shoulder, to enhancing the effectiveness of other pain relief treatments, dry needling offers a promising approach to pain management. So, why not explore this therapy and see if it’s the missing piece in your journey to pain relief?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of dry needling?
The cost of dry needling ranges from $100 to $400 per session, with the initial evaluation potentially costing more depending on your specific needs. It is a feasible out-of-pocket expense.
Is dry needling worth it?
Yes, dry needling can be worth it for certain musculoskeletal conditions as it is often effective and minimally painful, but it's important to consult with your healthcare provider before undergoing the treatment.
Does insurance pay for dry needling?
Unfortunately, most insurance plans do not cover dry needling. Patients often have to pay for these services out of pocket.
How many sessions of dry needling are needed?
On average, patients undergoing dry needling require 1-2 sessions for the first few weeks, and as things improve less often like once every few weeks or monthly.
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a minimally invasive technique that uses acupuncture needles (filiform needles) to release muscle tension, alleviate pain, and improve function. It is focused on releasing myofascial trigger points and is effective in treating various musculoskeletal conditions.
Over to you
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Sources:
Travell, J. G., Simons, D. G. (1993). Myofascial pain and dysfunction: The trigger point manual. London: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Biel, A., & Dorn, R. (2010). Trail guide to the body: A hands-on guide to locating muscles, bones and more. Boulder, CO: Books of Dicovery.
Janda, Vladimír. “Muscle Function Testing.” (1983).
Ma, Y. T., Li, L. H., Han, Q., Wang, X. L., Jia, P. Y., Huang, Q. M., & Zheng, Y. J. (2020). Effects of Trigger Point Dry Needling on Neuromuscular Performance and Pain of Individuals Affected by Patellofemoral Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of pain research, 13, 1677–1686. https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S240376
Disclaimer: This web site is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Reading this website does not constitute providing medical advice or any professional services. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health issue or disease. Those seeking medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Seek the advice of a medical doctor or other qualified health professional for any medical condition. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room. No acupuncturist-patient relationship is created by reading this website or using the information. Morningside Acupuncture PLLC and its employees and contributors do not make any express or implied representations with respect to the information on this site or its use.
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