Dry Needling - What You Should Know

The physical therapists at Advantage Rehab have advanced credentials in the technique of dry needling.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a procedure in which a solid filament needle is inserted into the skin and muscle directly at a myofascial trigger point.
whiplash associated disorders, spinal dysfunction, pelvic pain and other urologic syndromes, most pain syndromes, post-herpetic neuralgia, complex regional pain syndrome, nocturnal cramps, phantom pain, etc. Thus, trigger point dry needling can be used for a variety of musculoskeletal problems. Such conditions include, but are not limited to neck, back, and shoulder pain, arm pain (tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, golfer’s elbow), headache to include migraines and tension-type headaches, jaw pain, buttock pain and leg pain (sciatica, hamstring strains, calf tightness/spasms). The treatment of muscles has an effect on reducing pain mechanisms in the nervous system.
The advantages of dry needling are increasingly documented and include an immediate reduction in local, referred, and widespread pain, restoration of range of motion and muscle activation patterns, and a normalization of the immediate chemical environment of active myofascial trigger points. Trigger point dry needling can reduce peripheral and central sensitization.
Are the needles sterile? Yes, we only use sterile disposable needles.
Occasional soreness after the procedure that is described as muscle soreness over the area treated and into the areas of referred symptoms. It can last a couple of minutes, hours or a day or so and just varies from person to person.
What should I do after I have the procedure done? Recommendations vary depending on the amount of soreness you have and on the individual response to the treatment. Recommendations may include stretching, heat or ice over the area.

Once I am feeling better, how often do I need to come back to maintain my progress? The musculoskeletal system is under constant pressure from gravity, stress, work etc. A regular exercise program combined with good posture can prevent many problems. If the pain returns, “tune-ups” may help to treat and prevent further injuries. Your physical therapist can perform an evaluation to help determine if you are a good candidate for this possible treatment as part of your program in conjunction with other techniques including exercise designed to reduce your pain and improve your function.