Functional Dry Needling
Safely And Effectively Treating Muscle Pain
When most people think of physical therapy for joint and muscle pain, they think of strengthening exercises and rehabilitation modalities. However, there are many different kinds of physical therapies that can help with pain, including functional dry needling. Before beginning physical therapy, our team can help you determine if dry needling will be beneficial to your condition.
What Is Functional Dry Needling?
Functional dry needling, also known as trigger point needling, is a specialized physical therapy technique designed to treat myofascial pain, or muscle pain, by targeting trigger points. These trigger points are tight knots of muscle that can cause pain, stiffness, and discomfort. The treatment involves the use of thin monofilament needles, similar to those used in acupuncture, which are carefully inserted into specific areas of the muscle to relieve tension and pain. When the needle is placed in a trigger point, it stimulates the muscle, promoting relaxation and improved blood flow. Once the needle is removed, the tight muscle releases, reducing pain and enhancing mobility.
Unlike acupuncture, which is a traditional form of alternative medicine rooted in Chinese practices, functional dry needling is a modern, science-based approach used by licensed medical professionals such as physical therapists. It is backed by research and has been shown to be an effective treatment for various musculoskeletal conditions, including chronic pain, sports injuries, and muscle spasms. Many patients experience relief after just a few sessions, making it a popular and effective choice for pain management and rehabilitation. Dry needling is often combined with other physical therapy techniques to maximize recovery and improve overall function.
Benefits of Dry Needling
Functional dry needling is primarily used to treat painful and tight muscles. It is a versatile treatment that can treat areas throughout the body and is commonly used in combination with other physical therapy treatments. At Virginia Ear Nose and Throat, we use dry needling for the following reasons:
What To Expect
For some people, dry needling therapy is relatively painless, while others report some pain. Our therapist first helps you feel comfortable. Once the therapist has identified the trigger point that is causing you pain, the needle is placed in the muscle. The amount of time that needle remains in the trigger point can vary from around half a minute to a full thirty minutes. After the muscle knot has been released, our therapist removes the needle. Most patients only require a couple of sessions, but the exact number of treatments depends on the severity of your pain and your condition.
Risks Of Dry Needling
Our therapists are highly trained in a variety of physical therapy techniques. Their expertise greatly reduces the chance of injury during treatment. One risk—though extremely rare—includes puncturing a major organ with the needle. When this does happen, it usually occurs in the lung. Following treatment, most patients experience some soreness in the muscle. This should dissipate in just a few days. Bruising and very light bleeding around the needling sites can also occur.
Make An Appointment With Our Total Balance Center
We help patients find relief from muscle and joint pain, recover from surgery, retrain dizziness and more. Functional dry needling is just one of the many treatment options available to our patients. If you are interested in dry needling or other physical therapy services, call us at (804) 484-3700 to schedule an appointment.
