Dry needling is a non-invasive treatment involving inserting fine, short, stainless-steel needles around trigger points to promote relief and improve patient joint mobility. In contrast, a trigger point is a tight band of skeletal muscle that can cause stiffness and a limited range of movement. These bands may develop and become tight knots if left untreated.
Trigger point usually occurs on the neck, legs, and arms. If you reside in Sherwood or its environs, book a session with Emerald Hills Physio & Sports Clinic today and experience relief from pain and immobility. By targeting trigger points with delicate needles, our practitioners can assist you in releasing tight muscles, enhancing flexibility, ensuring relaxation, and preventing future occurrences.
Dry needling targets myofascial trigger areas. Confirming that dry needling is a practical procedure for a patient is consequential. First, the therapist or qualified healthcare personnel performs a physical review to evaluate one’s degree of movement, level of discomfort, and muscle strength, then sterilizes the therapy area and prepares a single-use needle. The therapist then locates a trigger point and inserts the single-use needle (usually 6 mm to 10 mm deep) straight to or near muscle tangles. The affected muscle contracts and relaxes subsequently. Another method that can be employed is a pistoning procedure which involves the quick insertion and withdrawal of the needles in involved trigger points. The main focus is to release tension in the affected area and stimulate the body’s natural healing process. One may experience a quick spasm of muscle which is a good response that your muscle is reacting. Some individuals may encounter slight distress at the point of insertion and muscle soreness. Regardless, this process ought to be painless. Inform the therapist if you suffer dizziness and shortness of breath
.The certified therapist may schedule three to four dry-needling sessions for maximum effect in response to therapy. Appointments are fixed and designed to monitor progress and provide personalized treatment recommendations.
Dry needling is usually a component of a broader treatment procedure. It is usually paired with exercise and other physiotherapy techniques to curb future trigger points from occurring. Some conditions that can be treated using dry needling include:
Like any other medical therapy, essential considerations must be considered during dry needling. The process involves inserting fine needles into strategic sites in the body. Anyone performing the technique should have undergone proper training and certification. Here at Emerald Clinic, we have licensed and certified therapists who offer the best services to relieve patients. Before recommending dry needling, our therapists will consider individual circumstances and health disorders. Most individuals may have underlying medical conditions such as bleeding disorders, epilepsy, and vascular disease, which may increase the risk of complications. In other cases, most people have trypanophobia, the fear of needles.
If you are experiencing acute or chronic muscle tension, dry needling therapy is a powerful remedy to alleviate pain. Visit the Emerald Hills Physio and Sports Clinic at Sherwood Park today to improve your overall health and get a better treatment plan to address your specific needs. Don’t let the pain keep you from going about your day-to-activities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Needling Therapy
While both dry needling and acupuncture involve using thin needles, dry needling is based on Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles, while acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles.
Dry needling therapy can be used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including chronic pain, muscle spasms, trigger points, myofascial pain syndrome, tennis elbow, and plantar fasciitis, among others.
Dry needling therapy may cause discomfort or a slight pinch when the needle is inserted, but it should not be painful. Some patients may experience a dull ache or twitching sensation during or after the treatment.
Dry needling therapy should only be performed by a licensed healthcare professional trained in the technique. This may include physical therapists, chiropractors, and acupuncturists, among others.
Emerald Hills Physio & Sports Clinic, located in Sherwood Park, AB, is a renowned physio and sports injury center. Our services encompass treatments for sports-related injuries, massage therapies, vestibular and nervous system issues, chronic pain, as well as pelvic floor physical therapy in Sherwood Park.