9 Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Needling

If You’ve Heard of Acupuncture, Chances are You’ve Heard About Dry Needling, Too…

Dry needling is an innovative physical therapy treatment designed to improve mobility and reduce pain. It’s becoming a popular way for professionals to help their patients recover from certain injuries, but there are still many unanswered questions about dry needling.

For example: What does the procedure involve? Is it safe? Does it hurt?

In this article, we’ll answer these questions – plus 6 more – so you can make an informed decision about if dry needling is right for you! Read on to find out all the information you’ll need when considering a dry needling treatment.

Question #1: What is dry needling and how does it work?

Dry needling is a non-invasive, integrative treatment approach used to alleviate muscular pain and tension. It involves the use of thin, sterile needles that are inserted into tight muscles or trigger points within the – areas of heightened sensitivity unable to relax – to help ease discomfort.

The aim is usually to stimulate circulation in the muscle, facilitating the release of toxins and promoting healing. Working with both traditional Eastern and Western techniques, practitioners use dry needling as part of an individualized treatment plan which can include manual techniques, exercise prescription, and other modalities.

While results vary from person to person, dry needling has been found effective for alleviating musculoskeletal problems such as tendonitis, myofascial pain, or restricted joint movement.

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Question #2: Is dry needling effective for treating pain and other conditions?

The short answer is, “YES” and it helps with an array of complaints like lower back pain, headaches, plantar fasciitis, sports injuries, rotor cuff tears, plus an array of other diagnoses.

Dry needling is a type of alternative therapy that many believe can be very effective for treating pain and other conditions.

Using thin needles, practitioners stimulate the body’s muscle fibers in specific areas to restore balance and reduce tension. Proponents argue that this form of treatment works by releasing endorphins and other natural chemicals in the body, leading to decreased inflammation and improved posture.

Although there is still theoretical debate surrounding dry needling, its proponents suggest that it can offer significant results that could potentially surpass standard medical treatments.

Ultimately, it will be up to individual patients to explore dry needling as an option to determine if it works for them in managing their own conditions.

Question #3: How long does a dry needling session last, and how often should I get one done?

Most dry needling sessions last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. You may only need one treatment or several. It all depends on the severity and what type of injury you are being treated for. 

For instance, muscle pain is usually only one visit, while a tendon injury can be a few visits.

Question #4: Does dry needling hurt, and are there any side effects I should know about beforehand?

Dry needling can be a relatively painful process – this is normal.

You may encounter some uncomfortable poking and bruising, but it’s important to remember that these sensations are part of the healing process.

The immediate effects of dry needling might include soreness or tenderness around the area, which should dissipate after a couple of days.

Although there is not much research on this topic, more serious side effects are generally considered rare but possible.

It’s important to speak with your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about these risks before undergoing the procedure.

Question #5: How much does dry needling cost, and is it covered by insurance plans?

Dry needling is not a covered service by insurance, but this is good news!

This means you can get treated right away and without the hassles of the insurance company telling your provider what do to.

Make sure you look beyond just the cost when deciding on a practitioner for your procedure.

While it’s true that price can vary depending on experience and number of sessions, remember: quality matters!

Taking time to research practitioners’ skill levels, as well as their ability to accurately target muscles with needles is essential in getting the best end results.

Question #6: Where can I find a qualified practitioner near me to perform dry needling therapy on me?

At Back in Motion Physical Therapy & Performance, our clinicians have taken the traditional approach to dry needling that step further.

We analyze and treat not only muscular and tendon pain but also focus on identifying its root cause with The Gray Method – ensuring you receive a holistic experience for your body’s specific needs.

Allow us to take care of your aches and pains today!

Question #7: How does dry needling differ from acupuncture?

With subtle distinctions between them, physical therapists and acupuncturists both use the method of dry needling.

Physical therapists focus on manipulating muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves while acupuncture looks beyond that to address energy flow (chi) throughout the body.

Be sure to keep these differences in mind when considering which health professional is right for you – a thorough examination process may be required depending on your situation!

Question #8: Who can administer dry needling?

A Doctor of Physical Therapy, ATC, and Medical Doctor can provide dry needling in most states.

Question #9: Do you reuse the needles? 

We do not reuse our dry needling needles.

We understand that patients require multiple treatments, but it is important to prioritize safety and health when it comes to these procedures.

We have a strict policy of using only new needles for each treatment session, helping to ensure that all our patients receive the same level of hygiene and safety as any medical procedure should provide.

We always use disposable needles and never recycle them, providing peace of mind for our patients about their well-being. We know that dry needling is a stressful process, so by having a clear policy on needle use we are able to offer our users clear comfort in knowing their treatment is both safe and hygienic.

A Patient’s Story- Who Got Rid of Shoulder Pain With Dry Needling

ohnny had been a construction worker his entire life, and while it was hard work, he enjoyed it. Lately, though, something had been bothering him; an ever-present pain in his left shoulder. He tried everything he could think of to get rid of the pain – massage therapy, chiropractic treatment, resting up when he wasn’t working, and icing down the area frequently – but nothing seemed to help.

He even went so far as to try numbing injections from the doctor’s office with no luck at all. Johnny was getting desperate for some relief when a friend suggested dry needling as an option for his shoulder issue. It sounded strange to him at first but anything that might make this annoying pain go away was worth trying at this point!

So Johnny made an appointment with our dry needling specialist and began treatments immediately. Initially, there were some uncomfortable moments during the process but after only two sessions Johnny noticed a really big difference in how his shoulder felt! The pain that had been plaguing him for months now seemed like just a distant memory and he couldn’t believe how relieved he felt!

His shoulder feels better than it has in years and now he can enjoy doing what he loves most without any nagging pains or aches holding him back!

 

Get Back In Motion Today With Dry Needling

So there you have it!

Now that you know the answer to some of the most frequently asked questions about dry needling, hopefully, you feel more comfortable with this treatment option. If not, no worries!

We’re here to help and can talk you through any questions or concerns you may have. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance – we’re happy to help however we can.