Dry Needling: A Therapy Treatment for Muscle Pain

Do you experience muscle pain, stiffness, or limited range of motion? Consider dry needling as a therapy treatment to help you get moving! Dry needling has become increasingly popular in the United States in the past decade to treat musculoskeletal pain and movement impairments. At Perham Health, we are proud to add it to our growing list of services. Importantly, dry needling is not acupuncture, though it does involve the same kinds of monofilament needles.

Here’s How It Works

For this service, needles are inserted into trigger points in the muscles to relieve pain and help restore normal function. Among the many potential advantages, dry needling can be used to treat short-term and long-term pain without the use of medications or surgical procedures. Whereas, a suitable option for managing pain, it is favored for individuals who prefer to avoid medications or who may not respond well to them. Furthermore, no medication is injected through needles for this therapy. However, electricity may be applied to help better treat certain trigger points. Finally, the needles may be inserted for a few seconds or up to 30 minutes depending on the treatment.

Here are some potential benefits:

1. Pain Relief: Dry needling can help reduce your pain by targeting trigger points within muscles. These trigger points are often associated with muscle tightness and can contribute to pain and restricted movement.
2. Improved Range of Motion: By releasing tension in tight muscles and promoting relaxation, dry needling may help improve flexibility and range of motion in joints.
3. Muscle Function: Dry needling can help improve muscle function by stimulating neural pathways and promoting better muscle activation patterns. This can be particularly beneficial for athletes or individuals recovering from injuries.
4. Reduced Muscle Tension: The insertion of thin needles into muscles can trigger a relaxation response, helping to reduce muscle tension and promote blood flow to the area.
5. Enhanced Healing: Dry needling may promote your body’s natural healing processes by stimulating blood flow and releasing biochemicals that aid in tissue repair.
6. Complementary Treatment: Dry needling can be used alongside other therapeutic interventions, such as physical therapy exercises or manual therapy techniques, to enhance overall treatment outcomes.
7. Non-Pharmacological Approach: Dry needling offers a non-pharmacological option for managing pain, making it suitable for individuals who prefer to avoid medications or who may not respond well to them.
8. Potential for Immediate Relief: Some individuals experience immediate relief from pain and improved mobility following a dry needling session, although the extent of this varies depending on the individual and the condition being treated.

Subsequently, our skilled therapists will work with you to learn about your muscle pain and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. Call now to take the first step towards healing. Or learn more by visiting: www.perhamhealth.org/services/dry-needling/

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