At Move Forward PT, we offer dry needling as a highly effective technique to treat musculoskeletal pain and improve muscle function. This minimally invasive procedure targets trigger points in your muscles to alleviate pain, reduce stiffness, and restore range of motion.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific areas of muscle tension, known as trigger points. Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is based on Western medicine principles and focuses on releasing muscle knots and tightness to improve function and reduce pain.
Dry needling can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including:
- Chronic pain (e.g., back pain, neck pain)
- Muscle tightness and spasms
- Tension headaches
- Shoulder pain
- Tennis elbow
- Sciatica
- Plantar fasciitis
- Sports injuries
How Does Dry Needling Work?
Trigger points are areas of tightness within the muscle that can cause local and referred pain. By inserting a thin needle into these points, dry needling:
- Releases muscle tension: Needling helps relieve tight muscles by causing them to contract and then relax, which can significantly reduce pain and improve movement.
- Stimulates healing: The needling action stimulates blood flow to the affected area, promoting the body’s natural healing process and helping reduce inflammation.
- Restores function: As muscles become less tight and more flexible, normal movement and strength are restored, improving overall function.
