Dry needling is a treatment aimed at relieving myofascial, or muscle, pain using thin needles. If you’re looking for alternative treatments to help relieve muscle pain, schedule an appointment today.
As a practice that’s dedicated to finding ways to help you feel better so you live and perform better, Brennan Bates, DC and his staff at Better Chiropractic in Gilbert, Arizona, are always looking for new methods to help with pain management.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used to relieve muscle tension and pain.
Very thin, dry needles are inserted through the skin directly into the muscle and trigger point. A trigger point is an irritated and painful knot that forms in the muscle. Trigger points are common in people with myofascial pain syndrome.
This form of treatment is referred to as “dry” needling because you don’t receive any medication with the needle. It’s simply inserted dry, or unmedicated. Dry needling is most often conducted on the neck and arm.
What Is Myofascial Pain Syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic condition that causes muscle pain in specific points in your body.
Myofascial pain syndrome may occur in muscles that are overused or injured, and is often attributed to repeated use of a muscle from a sport, job, or other hobby.
The pain that occurs is described as a deep ache in the muscle that seems to worsen instead of improve. The pain can be so bad it may impair your ability to get a good night’s sleep. Dry needling serves as an alternative treatment for this type of pain.
How Does Dry Needling Help With Myofascial Pain Syndrome?
As one of our trained professionals inserts the needle into your muscle, it relieves pain by stimulating the trigger point to unwind the knot.
This is usually evidenced by a visible twitch in the muscle. The release of the knot then relieves the pain at the trigger point and in surrounding areas. Once the trigger point has been deactivated, our specialist removes the needles. After removal, it’s important to stretch the muscle to facilitate relaxing the previously tight muscle.
In addition to relieving pain, releasing the muscle knot and tightness also improves movement and function in the area. The dry needling treatment relieves pain for up to four weeks.
Does Dry Needling Hurt?
Dry needling is similar to acupuncture and doesn’t cause significant pain at the site of the insertion.
However, some people may experience a dull ache or tingling sensation. If you’re looking for relief from chronic muscle pain, call Better Chiropractic today or use the online booking agent to schedule your dry needling appointment today.
