Dry Needling

Dry needling is a form of therapy used to alleviate pain, improve muscle health, and increase function in the musculoskeletal system.

Its popularity has increased in recent years due to the widespread benefits patients experience and the support behind the technique. The treatment usually takes effect quickly, helping patients find symptomatic relief from their injury or condition. At Integrative Physical Therapy, our experienced physical therapists use dry needling therapy in Jacksonville to treat a range of conditions, including muscle pain, chronic pain, and injuries. When used in combination with our other treatments, dry needling can be a beneficial treatment option for many different patients.

Interested In Learning About How Dry Needling Can Help Alleviate Pain?

Click the button below to download our FREE Ebook
“Unlocking The Power of Dry Needling – A Natural Path to Finding Relief and Healing”

What Is Dry Needling Physical Therapy?

Dry needling, also called myofascial trigger point dry needling, is a minimally invasive technique performed by trained physical therapists. The goal of dry needling is to stimulate a healing response in the body, which can help alleviate pain, reduce muscle tension, and improve the range of motion.

Thin, sterile needles are inserted into specific areas of soft tissue to trigger a healing response by a trained therapist. The needle may be left in place for several minutes or maybe quickly inserted and removed, depending on the treatment plan. The process is usually painless, however, it may trigger a “twitch response” in the muscles, which is a normal part of the treatment.

Dry needling is often used in conjunction with other therapies, such as exercise or massage therapy, to provide a comprehensive approach to treating musculoskeletal conditions. As it is a complex treatment, dry needling should only be performed by a qualified practitioner who has received specialized training in the technique.

At Integrative Physical Therapy in Jacksonville, our physical therapists are trained and experienced in dry needling therapy. For those considering dry needling as a treatment option, speak to our experienced team to learn more about the technique.

What Dry Needling Is Best For In The Body

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique that can be used to alleviate pain and improve function for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.

Some conditions that may benefit from dry needling include:

Muscle pain: Dry needling can be used to relieve pain caused by tight or overused muscles. The technique can be applied to sore areas to alleviate painful symptoms.
Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS): DOMS is the muscle soreness that develops after a workout, particularly if the exercise is new or high intensity. Dry needling can target sore and overworked muscles to provide symptomatic relief and promote healing.
Joint pain: Dry needling can also be used to treat joint pain caused by conditions such as arthritis, tendinopathy, and bursitis. For example, dry needling is commonly used to treat different forms of knee pain, including patella tendinopathy and knee osteoarthritis.
Chronic pain: Dry needling can be helpful in providing symptomatic relief for a range of chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis or low back pain. The technique can be used to help relieve muscle tension and pain.
Injuries: Dry needling can also help speed up the recovery process from injuries, such as sprains and strains. As a result, the technique is commonly used for sports-related injuries.
Neck pain and headaches: Dry needling can be effective for alleviating tension and pain in the neck and shoulders, which can often lead to headaches. This is common amongst desk workers or students who spend prolonged periods sitting, often with poor posture.

It's important to note that dry needling may not be appropriate for everyone.

To learn if it is the right choice, reach out to us! Get a thorough consultation with one of our experienced physical therapists to determine the best course of treatment.

Support For Dry Needling

Many of our patients tell us about the many benefits they have experienced from dry needling therapy, from pain control and reduced muscle tension to normalized movement.

It is a technique attributed to Dr. Janet G. Travel, who first wrote about it in her book Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: Trigger Point Manual, the process is described by the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists as “a neurophysiological evidence-based treatment technique that requires effective manual assessment of the neuromuscular system.”

Overall, dry needling is an effective treatment for a range of musculoskeletal conditions when applied correctly. As with any treatment, it is essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider to determine if it is the right treatment choice.

Dry Needling PT Services At Integrative In Jacksonville

One of the effective and beneficial treatments we offer in Jacksonville is dry needling physical therapy. Our practitioners are highly trained and skilled in this technique, ensuring that each treatment is performed with the utmost care and precision. We prioritize comfort and safety during all dry needling sessions, carefully assessing each patient to determine if it is an appropriate treatment for their injury or condition.

How Are We Different From Other Service Providers?

At our clinic, we understand that every patient is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to health. That is why our physical therapists take the time to get to know each of our patients before recommending any treatments. Our goal is to help our patients achieve long-lasting relief from pain so they can get back to living life to the fullest. In addition to dry needling, we offer a variety of other therapeutic modalities that complement dry needling. In combination, our treatments help our patients achieve their health and wellness goals. Our comprehensive approach may include a combination of exercise, hands-on therapy, and education, tailored to each patient and their specific needs. For anyone interested in our dry needling service, schedule an appointment with our experienced therapists! We are committed to providing the highest level of care and service possible. We look forward to welcoming anyone wanting to achieve optimal health and wellness.

How Dry Needling Works

During a dry needling session at Integrative PT, our physical therapist will first perform a thorough assessment to determine the best course of treatment for our patients. Once they have explained the treatment process and gained consent, the dry needling session can begin. The therapist will insert thin, sterile needles into specific trigger points in the problem area. This process can help to release muscle tension and stimulate the body’s natural healing response.

Preparing For Dry Needling Treatment

Before a dry needling treatment session, it’s a good idea to wear loose, comfortable clothing. Additionally, make sure to discuss any concerns with the physical therapist. They can help address any concerns and provide more information about the treatment process.

Recovery After Dry Needling Treatment

After a dry needling treatment, our physical therapist will provide specific instructions on how to care for the treated area. It is essential to follow these instructions carefully to ensure optimal recovery and to achieve the best possible outcome from the dry needling treatment. Our physical therapist may also recommend specific exercises or stretches to help with recovery. It is normal to experience some soreness and redness at the site of the treatment. However, if there are any unusual or unexplained symptoms, get in touch with our team immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Needling

What is Dry Needling?

Dry Needling is a treatment technique often used by physical therapists to relieve pain. It requires using a sterile acupuncture needle that is inserted through the skin into muscles, tendons, ligaments, and/or close to nerves to immediately reduce pain, decrease muscle tension and increase mobility. Dry Needling is not acupuncture; it is based on a modern scientific study of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. This treatment technique provides an environment that enhances the body’s ability to heal which ultimately reduces pain.

What can be treated by Dry Needling?

Dry Needling can be used for a variety of musculoskeletal problems. When combined with traditional physical therapy and the advanced manual therapy techniques, we have had success treating most pain related problems from head to toe and from acute to chronic conditions. Also Dry Needling can be used to help athletes overcome delayed onset muscle soreness. As athletes push the envelope to become bigger and faster or to reach new goals, recovery becomes an essential phase in the process. Often times dry needling can be used to speed up this recovery time and allow the athlete to return to training or to playing as soon as possible.

Which is better: acupuncture or dry needling?

Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on balancing the body’s energy flow, dry needling is based on Western medicine and is used to target specific muscles and tissues.

How often is dry needling needed?

The number of dry needling sessions needed will depend on the condition or injury and the severity of symptoms. Some patients see improvements after just one session, while others may require multiple sessions over several weeks or months.

Is dry needling safe?

Dry needling is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed and trained therapist, such as a physical therapist. The needles used are sterile, and there is a very low risk of complications. While dry needling is generally safe and well-tolerated, it is important to note that there can be some minor side effects, such as soreness or bruising at the insertion site. However, these typically resolve within a few days.

Is dry needling painful?

Many patients in Jacksonville are interested in receiving dry needling therapy but are concerned about whether or not it is painful. Most people feel no discomfort or pain during dry needling. Our Integrative physical therapists strive to make the treatment as comfortable as possible.

How to find a qualified dry needling therapist?

Call us today or make an appointment with one of our dry needling experts to learn more about our approach to dry needling therapy.

For those looking for dry needling treatment in Jacksonville, FL, look no further than Integrative Physical Therapy.

Our physical therapists are licensed and qualified in dry needling techniques and have experience treating a range of different conditions. Get in touch today!

Interested In Learning About How Dry Needling Can Help Alleviate Pain?

Click the button below to download our FREE Ebook
“Unlocking The Power of Dry Needling – A Natural Path to Finding Relief and Healing”

References

Physiopedia. Dry needling. Available from: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Dry_needling

Physio Works. Dry Needling. Available from: https://physioworks.com.au/physiotherapy-treatment/dry-needling/

National Library of Science. Dry needling: a literature review with implications for clinical practice guidelines. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25143704/