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Alleviating Pain with Dry Needling

Alleviating Pain with Dry Needling

 

When you hear the words “dry needling” you may think of acupuncture. 

Although they have some similarities, they have some significant differences. 

Acupuncture is a practice based on traditional Chinese medicine and provided by acupuncturists.

Dry needling is a part of modern Western medicine principles, and supported by research which is based on neuroanatomy and modern scientific studies of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. 

How can it help you for example with shoulder pain, back pain, or hip pain?

Dry needling works by causing a microlesion within the pathological tissue thus breaking up shortened tissues, inhibiting a reflex arc from the nervous system to the tissue, normalizing the inflammatory response, and centrally mediating the pain. The mechanical and neuromuscular effect provides an environment that enhances the body’s ability to heal which ultimately reduces pain.  Dry needling can work on the shoulder, hip, back, elbow, ankle/foot, neck and hip regions.  

What to expect: A fine filament needle is pushed through the skin of the treated area with the ultimate goal of eliciting a twitch response, or what you would feel as a little electric shock, cramp, or an ache sensation.

The number of needles inserted varies depending on an analysis of your complete homeostatic system, the specific injured region, and if you have had dry needling in the past. 

So, is it painful? In most cases, a patient will ask, “Is the needle still in?” well after I have removed the needle and completed the goal of my dry needling treatment. 

It is usually undetectable by your senses!

If you are interested in learning more about Dry Needling and how it may help you with your injury or chronic pain then reach out to BodyFit Physical Therapy. See what our client says about us. To schedule a FREE Discovery Visit-A Consultation with a Physical Therapist, contact BodyFit Physical Therapy by emailing cindy@bodyfitphysicaltherapy.com or calling Cindy at 860-507-7365.

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