Dry Needling

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What is Dry Needling and What are Trigger Points?

Dry needling is one of the most popular techniques that therapists use for treating movement and pain impairments. This technique uses a “dry” needle, which is a needle that doesn’t inject medication, that is inserted into the muscle areas. There are other common terms that have always been used to describe dry needling that include intramuscular manual therapy and trigger point dry needling. It is important to note that dry needling isn’t acupuncture, but rather a part of Western medicinal principles that are supported by research. Dry needling uses trigger points. But what’s that? In simple terms, a trigger point is a rigid area which is made of skeletal muscles that are located within the larger muscle group that are tender to the touch.

What Types of Needles are Used?

Dry needling does involve the usage of thin filiform needles that penetrate the skin while stimulating the underlying myofascial trigger points as well as the connective and muscular tissues. Here, the needle allows a therapist to target areas that aren’t manually apparent. In accordance with the OSHA standards and general standard precautions, before beginning the procedure, the physical therapist will put on gloves and other appropriate protective equipment. After the needles are used, they are disposed of properly.

Benefits of Dry Needling

There are a number of benefits associated with having a dry needling procedure done. Some of the top benefits you should consider include:

Dry needling can lead to improved range of motion. This is a process that can help towards the recovery of the patient’s overall movement in the event of an injury, which is especially important if the client is an athlete.

Dry needling has also been recognized as an important medical procedure that helps in speeding up the recovery process. With dry needling, patients who need to get back to their day-to-day living have experienced quick and advanced pain relief. In fact, dry needling speeds up the healing process when compared head to head with other treatment options.

We Are Here
to Help.

While poking needles into your body to relieve pain may seem like a bizarre procedure, when you work with our team, you can put those fears to bay. We are experts in the field. Are you suffering from a medical condition and think that dry needling can help? Look no further than Rec Center Physical Therapy. We welcome you to come and try us out, putting you on the road to recovery.

What Our Patients are Saying

I have had help from RCPT three times and every time was beyond expections. I have recommended RCTP to many people needing TP. I thank Dave, Miki and Lisa for all they have done for me.

Robert W

When I started physical therapy my back hurt, I had pain going down my leg to my foot. Between Ashlee, Lisa and Nicole they taught me exercises to help strengthen my core and take the pain away.

Christine H.

David has an incredible knowledge base as well as a willingness to share that knowledge. His recommendations and treatment have kept me active despite consistent over-use injuries. Great rapport with clients as well!

Tracy V.
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