Dry needling is a highly effective technique used by physical therapists to treat pain, improve muscle function, and restore movement. It involves the use of thin, sterile needles inserted into specific points in the muscles and tissues to stimulate healing and release tension. While it may seem similar to acupuncture, dry needling is a distinct practice based on Western medical and anatomical principles.
At Altus Performance Physical Therapy, we incorporate dry needling as part of a comprehensive approach to help clients achieve their goals, whether that’s recovering from an injury, enhancing performance, or simply feeling their best.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
Dry needling works through several mechanisms, depending on what we are treating. It is most commonly used to target what are known as “trigger points”—tight bands or knots within a muscle that can cause pain, stiffness, and dysfunction. These trigger points often develop from overuse, injury, or stress, and they can limit your ability to move freely or perform at your peak.
What does inserting a needle do? It can:
- Release Muscle Tension: The needle disrupts the tight band of muscle, promoting relaxation.
- Improve Blood Flow: It increases circulation to the area, speeding up the healing process.
- Stimulate the Nervous System: Dry needling can help “reset” the nervous system, reducing pain signals and improving muscle activation.
What Does Dry Needling Feel Like?
Many people are surprised at how minimal the discomfort is during dry needling. You might feel a slight prick when the needle is inserted, sometimes followed by a twitch or ache, depending what is being targeted.
After the session, you may feel immediate relief, although some muscles might feel slightly sore for a day or two—similar to the feeling after a good workout.
Who Can Benefit from Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a versatile treatment that can benefit people with a variety of conditions, including:
- Muscle Pain and Tension: Whether it’s neck pain, back pain, or tightness in the shoulders or legs, dry needling can help release stubborn knots.
- Sports Injuries: Runners, weightlifters, and other athletes often use dry needling to recover faster and prevent injuries.
- Posture-Related Issues: Long hours at a desk can lead to tight, painful muscles—dry needling can help.
- Restricted Mobility: If tight muscles are limiting your movement, dry needling can help restore flexibility.
What Are Some Specific Conditions Treated by Dry Needling?
Current literature reveals that dry needling can provide clinically effective improvements for many common conditions such as:
- Muscle Strains & Joint Sprains
- Chronic Low Back & Neck Pain
- Osteoarthritis: Common in the shoulders, hips, and knees
- Peripheral Nerve Disorders: Such as Carpal Tunnel syndrome, Cubital Tunnel syndrome
- Jaw (TMJ) pain: Often seen as pain and clicking in the jaw with chewing, yawning.
- Tendinopathies
- Wound and scar healing
Is Dry Needling Safe?
When performed by a trained and licensed professional, dry needling is a safe and effective treatment. At Altus Performance Physical Therapy, we ensure that all needles are sterile, single-use, and inserted with precision and care. We review your medical history to ensure you are a good candidate without contraindications and are careful to watch for any possible adverse events during or after treatment.
Why Choose Dry Needling at Altus Performance Physical Therapy?
As part of our care model, dry needling is just one of the many tools we use to help you reach your goals. Unlike traditional clinics that might focus solely on pain relief, we combine dry needling with hands-on techniques, targeted exercises, and movement education to address the root cause of your issue and prevent it from coming back.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If you’re dealing with pain, stiffness, or limited mobility, dry needling could be the solution you’ve been looking for. At Altus Performance Physical Therapy, we specialize in helping our clients feel and perform their best.
Contact us today to learn how dry needling can help you recover faster, move better, and get back to doing the things you love. Your journey to lasting relief starts here!
Let’s #elevateyourperformance