Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common reasons people visit an orthopedic doctor. About 1 million Americans suffer from this condition yearly. Plantar fasciitis is known for causing pain in the heel and bottom of the foot that worsens with activity. Most people also feel this sensation first thing in the morning.
Fortunately, there are many effective treatments for plantar fasciitis, including dry needling.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a type of physical therapy that involves inserting thin needles into the skin and muscles. The goal is to release trigger points, or areas of muscle tension, which can relieve pain.
How Effective Is Dry Needling for Plantar Fasciitis?
A growing body of evidence supports dry needling for plantar fasciitis.
Trigger points are an essential contributor to the pain of plantar fasciitis. Dry needling can help release them, leading to significant pain relief. This pain relief occurs because the needles stimulate the release of chemicals that block pain signals from going to the brain.
Dry needling for plantar fasciitis is also effective in conjunction with other treatments, such as stretching and strengthening exercises.
How Does Dry Needling Work for Plantar Fasciitis?
Dry needling works by blocking pain signals from going to the brain. It does this by stimulating the release of chemicals called endorphins.
Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers. They work by binding to receptors in the brain that block pain signals.
Dry needling for plantar fasciitis can also help release trigger points. These are areas of muscle tension that can cause pain.
Pain is one of the most prominent plantar fasciitis symptoms and releasing trigger points can help provide relief. Aside from these benefits, dry needling can also promote the following:
- Improved circulation
- Reduced inflammation
- Increased range of motion
- Improved function
Is Dry Needling Safe?
Dry needling is a safe and effective treatment for plantar fasciitis when performed by a trained therapist.
The therapist will insert the needles into specific areas of muscle tension. There may be some initial discomfort, but this should quickly go away.
There is also a risk of bruising and soreness post-treatment, but it is typically mild.
Additionally, in very rare instances, you may encounter more severe side effects, such as a punctured lung or infection. However, these risks are rare when dry needling is performed by a trained professional.
It is important to only receive treatment from a reputable clinic. That way, you can ensure that the therapist has proper training and that the needles are sterile.
When Should You Seek Treatment?
Are you experiencing pain in your heel or the bottom of your foot? You should seek treatment from a trained professional.
Immediate care is vital because plantar fasciitis can worsen over time. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you can find relief.
Trusted Physical Therapist in Austin, TX
Dry needling is a safe and effective treatment for plantar fasciitis. It can help release trigger points and block pain signals. The procedure often works best with other pain relief recommendations, such as exercising. Visit a reputable clinic now to receive therapeutic care for your plantar fasciitis.
Do you need a trusted physical therapist in Austin, TX? You can rely on Endeavor Physical Therapy. Our highly experienced and trained healthcare providers can perform effective dry needling for plantar fasciitis. You may contact our helpful staff at (512) 213-1092 to learn how we can help you. Alternatively, you may submit an online request form to book a consultation with our trusted therapists.
We also offer dry needling in Manor, Round Rock, Bee Cave, Hutto, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, San Marcos, and Kyle, Texas. We look forward to helping you live a pain-free life!
