Dry needling is a treatment used by physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare providers to treat pain and movement issues. It involves inserting thin needles into trigger points in muscles. Trigger points are tight knots of muscle that can cause pain, tenderness, and restricted movement.
How Dry Needling Works
When a needle is inserted into a trigger point, it causes the muscle to twitch. This twitching, called a local twitch response, is thought to help relieve pain by:
- Reducing muscle tension
- Improving blood flow
- Deactivating trigger points
Dry needling is a safe and effective treatment for a variety of conditions, including:
- Muscle pain
- Headaches
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Myofascial pain syndrome
Benefits of Dry Needling
Dry needling has several benefits over other pain treatments, including:
- It is minimally invasive.
- It can be very effective in relieving pain.
- It can improve range of motion.
- It can help to reduce the need for pain medication.
Is Dry Needling Right for You?
If you are experiencing pain or movement problems, talk to your doctor or physical therapist to see if dry needling is right for you. Dry needling is not a cure-all, but it can be a helpful tool for managing pain and improving function.
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