Athletes tend to put extra stress on their body due to rigorous training regiments, and not taking the time to allow the body to rest and restore itself properly. Among Dry Needling benefits is the relief for severe muscle strain. Dry Needling is a form of therapy in which ultra-fine needles are inserted into myofascial trigger points (those sensitive knots that can form in muscles), tendons, ligaments or near nerves. The goal is to stimulate healing for a range of painful musculoskeletal conditions.
Acupuncture vs Dry Needling Benefits
Many patients say to us, “Wait, but isn’t this acupuncture?” Not exactly. The types of needles used in acupuncture and Dry Needling look very similar, but acupuncture seeks to alter the flow of energy along traditional Chinese meridians to treat diseases. Dry Needling, on the other hand, is completely science-based and the goal is to directly treat pain and dysfunction in neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions.
Other Dry Needling Benefits and Why Our Patients Love It
Dry Needling is growing in popularity. Doctors and patients alike tend to like it because of its conservative, non-invasive approach. Dry needling helps to promote blood flow to specific areas of your body, and it can kickstart the healing process in areas that have not had success with other treatments, such as a tendonitis issue. It also can improve muscle extensibility and contractibility, and it signals your body to release its own pain reduction factors. It’s an ideal treatment for neck pain, low back pain, shoulder impingement, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches—you name it. It’s a great tool for overall pain management and pain reduction.
We’re Here To Help
Here at Spooner, we often use dry needling in conjunction with other therapies to enhance the healing process. A patient who was suffering chronic headaches had Dry Needling incorporated in her treatment plane, along with exercise. She kept a headache journal. Prior to Dry Needling treatments, she was experiencing headaches 26 or 27 days a month! After having a few treatments, her headaches were reduced to just five or six a month. This is another example of dry needling benefits we’ve seen with our patients.
Learn more about Dry Needling at Spooner Physical Therapy. Ready to schedule an appointment? Schedule an appointment or complimentary movement screen with a Spooner physical therapist at one of our locations throughout the valley.