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Dry Needling

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Find a Physical Therapist who specializes in Dry Needling

What is Dry Needling?

Dry Needling is a general term for a therapeutic treatment procedure that involves multiple advances of a filament needle into the muscle in the area of the body which produces pain and typically contains a ‘Trigger Point’. There is no injectable solution and typically the needle which is used is very thin.

How does it work?

Usually a healthy muscle feels very little discomfort with insertion of the needle; however, if the muscle is sensitive and shortened or has active trigger points within it, the subject may feel a sensation much like a muscle cramp — which is often referred to as a ‘twitch response’. The twitch response also has a biochemical characteristic to it which likely affects the reaction of the muscle, symptoms, and response of the tissue. A reproduction of pain can be a helpful diagnostic indicator of the cause of the patient’s symptoms. Patients soon learn to recognize and even welcome this sensation as it results in deactivating the trigger point, thereby reducing pain and restoring normal length and function of the involved muscle.

What are the benefits?

Dry needling is an effective treatment for acute and chronic pain, rehabilitation from injury, and even pain and injury prevention, with very few side effects.

Who is it suited for?

Dry Needling may be suited for any patient with muscle related pain or dysfunction. There are some contraindications, specific situations where treatment is not recommended, such as taking blood thinners or being pregnant, among others, which your therapist will assess prior to treatment.

Who can perform Dry Needling?

Dry Needling is taught as a post-graduate continuing education course for qualified medical professionals. Through one teaching company, Kinetacore, the only professions allowed to enroll in Dry Needling training are Physical Therapists, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Medical Doctors, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, and Doctors of Chiropractic. Following the coursework for each level of training, there are rigorous written and practical examinations to receive certification in Dry Needling.

A great outside resource for additional information: http://www.kinetacore.com/faq/

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