Dry Needling

Suffering from PAIN?  New Technique Offers Relief!

Do you experience pain from any of the following?   

  • Migraine/Tension Headaches 
  • Neck/Back Pain 
  • Muscle Spasms 
  • Sciatica 
  • Hip/Knee Pain 
  • Muscle Strains 
  • Fibromyalgia 
  • Tennis / Golfer’s Elbow 
  • Overuse Injuries 
  • Joint/Disk Problems 
  • Tendinitis 
  • Post-Herpetic Neuralgia
  • Repetitive Motion Disorder 
  • Jaw/Mouth Problems 

If so, you may the perfect candidate for Dry Needing!  

What is dry needling?  Dry needling, sometimes called trigger point dry needling or myofascial trigger point dry needling, is used by our certified (Cert-DN) Physical Therapists to treat myofascial pain. The word myofascial is a combination of two common medical terms; “myo” (referring to muscle) and “fascia” (which refers to the tissue that connects muscle).

The use of a thin filiform “dry” needle is inserted through the skin into areas of the muscle that are stiff or irritated. This point is simulated to cause a reset to the system. This reset helps release and relax tight, stiff muscles. It allows the therapist to target tissue that is not manually accessible as well as address dysfunction within the body with more efficient results. Dry needling is an effective treatment for chronic pain (neuropathic in origin) with very few side effects.

Does it hurt?  A healthy muscle feels very little discomfort with the insertion of this needle. However, if the muscle is sensitive, tight, stiff, or has active trigger points within it, the subject will feel a sensation like a muscle cramp (the “twitch” response).

What is the difference between Dry Needling and Acupuncture?  The objectives and philosophy behind the use of dry needling by our Cert-DN trained Physical Therapists is not based on ancient theories or tenets of traditional Chinese medicine. The performance of modern dry needling by Physical Therapists is based on Western Neuroanatomy and modern scientific studies of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. However, both Dry Needling and Acupuncture use the same tool, a solid needle filament.

Are there any side effects to Dry Needing?  Side effects may vary among individuals. Typically, only mild muscle soreness or skin bruising.

Call PTS today at (309) 231-0676 for more information regarding payments, insurance, or to make an appointment to see a Doctor of Physical Therapy, certified in Dry Needing!

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