Dry needling is a skilled intervention performed by a licensed and certified Doctor of Physical Therapy that uses a thin filiform needle to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying soft tissues. The term “dry” refers to the needles being solid; they do not inject liquid into the body. Often confused with acupuncture, dry needling is based on western medicine, targeting bony and soft tissue landmarks to decrease muscle tension (tightness), increase blood flow and healing, and reduce pain. Acupuncture, on the other hand, “targets energies and moves chi.”
Being able to treat neuromuscular tissues directly, dry needling has proven to make your physical therapy treatment more effective. All our Doctors of Physical Therapy have been trained and tested in nationally accredited programs, and are certified in order to practice high-quality dry needling for our patients.
What can Dry Needling treat?
Dry needling has been proven to be beneficial in treating many musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Cervicogenic Headache
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Osteoarthritis
Lateral Epicondylitis
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Plantar Fasciitis
Low Back Pain
Temporomandibular Dysfunction
Just to name a few…
Your Doctor of Physical Therapy will be able and happy to explain just how dry needling can benefit you and your musculoskeletal condition.
Does it hurt?
- Most recipients report little to no discomfort during their treatment, though some treatments may cause more discomfort than others.
- Tingling, aching or cramping may be felt briefly at needle insertion.
- Many recipients report significant pain relief immediately following treatment.
- Some may experience slight soreness either directly after treatment or into the next day.
- Bruising is common at the insertion site.
Always communicate with your therapist any change in sensations such as increased pain, numbness/tingling or burning. He/she will be able to adjust your treatment session accordingly to relieve those symptoms.
Why is Dry Needling a Cash-Pay Service?
Dry needling has grown in popularity in the United States over the last 20 years; the state of Idaho approved dry needling as a legal practice in 2018. Many US private insurance companies do not currently cover dry needling, so patients pay up front for each session; pricing may differ from clinic to clinic. Most providers encourage multiple treatments (3-5 treatment sessions) to achieve the most benefit. When compared to other treatment options, dry needling is one of the most affordable options!
When performed by a trained provider, dry needling has helped many people overcome chronic pain and avoid surgeries, as well as painful and prolonged recoveries and the financial burden that comes with it all. Consult with your physical therapist about how you might benefit from dry needling.
