As performance physical therapists, we are always looking for innovative ways to help my clients recover from injuries and improve their overall performance. One technique that we have found to be particularly effective is dry needling.

Dry needling is a technique that involves inserting thin needles into trigger points in the muscles to relieve pain and improve range of motion. Unlike acupuncture, which is based on ancient Chinese medicine, meridians, and qi...dry needling is rooted in Western medicine, knowledge of neuroanatomy, and focuses on the musculoskeletal system.

One of the benefits of dry needling is that it can be used to treat a wide range of injuries, from chronic pain to acute injuries. It can also be used to improve athletic performance by addressing imbalances in the muscles and improving range of motion.

One of the reasons we love dry needling is that it is a minimally invasive technique that can provide quick relief for my clients. Unlike other treatments that may require medication or surgery, dry needling can be done in a single session and can provide immediate relief.

Of course, like any treatment, dry needling is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is important to work with a qualified physical therapist who can assess your individual needs and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific goals.

If you are considering dry needling as a treatment option, here are a few things to keep in mind:

- Dry needling should only be performed by a qualified physical therapist who has received specialized training in the technique.

- You may experience some discomfort during the treatment, but it should not be unbearable. 

- You may experience some soreness or bruising after the treatment, but this should subside within a few days.

Dry needling is a powerful tool for recovery from injury and improving athletic performance, but is just one component of a comprehensive physical therapy plan of care.

For long term relief and to address the root cause of the issue, it needs to be used in conjunction with other techniques such as manual therapy, exercise, and education. By combining these different approaches, we create a personalized plan of care that addresses your specific needs and goals.

For example, a patient with back pain with lifting benefits from a combination of dry needling, manual therapy, and exercise.

 We use dry needling to release painful tension in the affected muscles, followed by manual therapy to improve joint mobility Then, we  strengthen the weak muscles, retrain the lifting patterns to prevent future injury, and rebuild capacity with load and speed.

If you are interested in learning more about dry needling or would like to schedule a session, you can book a totally free 15 minute consultation call here.

And remember, always prioritize your health and work with a qualified professional who actually understands your goals and lifestyle to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.