Have You Ever Heard of Dry Needling For Pain Relief?
Dry Needling Could Change Your Life For The Better
If you’re experiencing pain or dysfunction in your neck, shoulder, elbow, or other body part, you are not alone. Chronic pain affects more than 50 million adults per year. Thankfully, there is help available through physical therapy. If you haven’t heard of dry needling and its various health benefits, know that it’s one of the many helpful treatment methods our physical therapists here at Orthopedic Sports Therapy in Ahwatukee, Biltmore and Tempe, AZ keep in their arsenal of ways to help you feel better!
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a procedure for relieving pain and muscle tension while also improving mobility.
This treatment method has been shown to help with a variety of musculoskeletal disorders, including acute and chronic injuries, overuse, neck pain, headaches, back pain, sciatica, muscle spasms, muscle strains, tendinitis, knee pain, hip pain, fibromyalgia, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and others.
It is a service we are proud to offer at Orthopedic Sports Therapy in Ahwatukee, Biltmore and Tempe, AZ to our patients in need. If you aren’t sure whether this treatment is right for you, one of our therapists can discuss it with you.
How can dry needling eliminate pain?
It simply provides an environment that enhances the body’s ability to heal and ultimately reduces pain in the process.
While it is a popular misconception, dry needling is not acupuncture. It is based on current western medical practices of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems.
While there are some similarities between the two treatment techniques, dry needling is entirely based on western medical and research methods.
It is a technique used by physical therapists to relieve pain, reduce muscular tension, and promote mobility by inserting a sterile needle into the skin and the afflicted tendons, ligaments, or muscles.
Does dry needling hurt?
If you believe this therapy is painful because of the word “needle,” think again! While it can be uncomfortable at times, many of our patients report experiencing little or no discomfort during dry needling procedures.
Our highly qualified physical therapists in Ahwatukee, Biltmore and Tempe, AZ know how to make the treatment as pleasant as possible, although some patients may still notice a “twitch response” when the needle is placed.
This is akin to a sudden cramp or muscular discomfort. Patients may have muscular discomfort within 24-48 hours of receiving this therapy, which usually resolves on its own.
Sore muscles can be handled at home with heat packs, as well as plenty of fluids.
How can dry needling benefit me?
Some common conditions that can be treated with this therapy are:
- Chronic headaches
- Neck pain
- Joint pain and discomfort
- Jaw pain
- Back pain
- Overuse injuries
This therapy may improve a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders, and there are several health benefits to using this kind of treatment.
At our physical therapy clinic in Ahwatukee, Biltmore and Tempe, AZ, we have also discovered that when our traditional exercise-based treatments were paired with this therapy, the great majority of our patients received the pain-free outcomes they desired.
After a comprehensive exam to identify the cause and severity of your issue, your physical therapist will tell you if this therapy is the best course of therapy for you!
Ask us about dry needling today
There’s only one way to find out if this therapy is right for you. If you’re dealing with chronic headache pain, neck pain, an overuse injury, or other form of discomfort, call our Arizona physical therapy practice at (480) 921-9000, 480-597-4241 today or click here to request an appointment.
We are excited to help you learn more about the benefits of dry needling, and whether or not it might be helpful for your condition. We’ll have you feeling more like yourself in no time!