What is Functional Dry Needling?
Functional Dry Needling is an effective treatment for acute and chronic pain, rehabilitation from injury, and even injury prevention, with very few side effects. It is called “dry needling” because there is no injectable solution in the needle. The treatment involves multiple advances of an acupuncture needle, a thin filament needle, into a muscle with the aim to achieve a local twitch response. The twitch response has a biochemical characteristic to it which affects the reaction of the muscle, symptoms, and response of the tissue. Research supports that dry needling reduces pain and muscle tension, normalizes biochemical and electrical dysfunction of motor endplates in the muscle, improves joint mobility and restores function which facilitates an accelerated return from an injury. Typically, positive results are apparent within 2-4 treatment sessions but can vary depending on the cause and duration of the symptoms, and the overall health of the patient.
Does it hurt?
Most patients will not feel the needle penetrate the skin, but once it advances into the muscle, the discomfort can vary from patient to patient. Usually a healthy muscle feels very little discomfort upon insertion of the needle; however, if the muscle is sensitive and shortened or contains active trigger points, the subject may feel a sensation much like a muscle cramp, often referred to as a 'twitch response." Patients soon learn to recognize and even welcome this sensation, as it results in deactivating the trigger point, and restoring normal length and function of the involved muscle.
What can Functional Dry Needling treat?
Dry Needling can treat an array of neuromusculoskeletal conditions such as:
- Neck & Back Pain
- Shoulder Pain
- Tennis/Golfers Elbow
- Headaches
- Hip and Gluteal Pain
- Knee Pain
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Sciatica
- Muscular Strains/Ligament Sprains
What can I do to prepare for my appointment?
Please wear loose and comfortable clothing that can be rolled up or down to access the area of complaint.
What can I expect after my treatment?
We are looking for improvements such decreased signs/symptoms, increased range of motion, and ease of movement.
You may feel some soreness immediately after treatment in the area of the body you were treated. This does not always occur but should be expected and is considered normal. It can take up to a few hours, or even until the next day, to feel an onset of soreness. The soreness varies from person to person and based on the area of the body treated, but it typically feels like you had an intense workout at the gym. Soreness typically lasts 24-48 hours.