Dry needling therapy, also known as trigger point dry needling, is a technique used by physical therapists, chiropractors, and other healthcare professionals to alleviate pain and improve mobility. It involves inserting thin needles into specific points in muscles to release tension, improve blood flow, and promote healing.
During a dry needling session, the practitioner will insert needles into trigger points, which are knots or bands of muscle that have become tight and tender due to injury or overuse. The needles are usually left in place for a few minutes and then removed. The treatment may cause mild discomfort or a twitch response, but it is generally well-tolerated.
Dry needle therapy is used as an alternative treatment for chronic conditions such as neck pain, shoulder pain, lower back pain, sciatica, headaches, as well as fibromyalgia and cancer.
Benefits of Dry Needle Therapy
Here are some of the best-known benefits of dry needle therapy:
Pain Relief
Dry needling has been found to be effective at reducing both acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain, including pain caused by sports injuries or arthritis. The insertion of needles stimulates nerve endings, which triggers a release of endorphins – your body’s natural feel-good hormones – resulting in reduced levels of discomfort or even complete elimination of symptoms altogether.
Improved Range of Motion and Flexibility
By relaxing tight muscles and relieving stiffness, patients can have an improved range of motion and flexibility, especially when dry needling is combined with physical therapy. Muscles relax and reset, while range of motion is restored. This improved mobility not only benefits athletes but also anyone looking for better flexibility overall.
Reduced Muscle Tension
Dry needling is believed to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation. When the needles are inserted into trigger points, they cause the muscle fibers to contract and then release, which can help break up knots and adhesions and improve blood flow to the area. Regular sessions involving dry needle therapy can help reduce any muscular tension you may have built up over time due to poor posture, poor form, and improper technique.
Injury Rehabilitation & Prevention
All the benefits of dry needling, from pain relief and increased range of motion to improvement in flexibility, are useful in rehabilitation from an injury. It speeds up recovery time and reduces the chances of reinjury. That is why dry needling is not just a form of treatment but also maintenance for individuals with physically active lifestyles and those with chronic pain.
Stress Reduction & Relaxation Benefits
In addition to helping ease aches and pains through releasing tightness around key areas, the regular use of dry needle therapy has shown great results when it comes to providing users with a sense of deep relaxation, along with mental clarity after each session. Patients report reduced stress levels and better quality sleep.
Dry Needle Therapy in Austin, TX
At Endeavor Physical Therapy, our licensed physical therapists offer dry needling as one of our treatments for pain patients, athletes, and injured workers. Dry needling is a therapeutic, non-surgical approach to treatment with loads of benefits. We perform dry needling in our sterile, relaxing, and comfortable facility.
To find out if dry needling is right for you, call our office today at (512) 886-7110 or use our convenient online request form. Endeavor Physical Therapy has convenient locations serving Austin, Round Rock, Manor, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Bee Cave, Hutto, San Marcos, and Kyle.
