What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is an evidence-based treatment which uses small, thin, solid (filiform), stainless steel needles to stimulate trigger points and treat neuromuscular pain and deficits in functional movement. Dry needling is a technique to deactivate trigger points and loosen shortened muscles. It is designed to reduce pain and improve mobility by releasing muscle tension. Dr. Lipka has completed specialized training and certification in dry needling. She has used this technique, alongside other treatments, on a variety of case types to help patients achieve successful outcomes.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
Dry needling works to relieve pain by releasing trigger points in your muscles. Generally, several needles are inserted into your skin in the areas where your muscles are tense. The needles help decrease muscle tension and spasm and increase circulation. When a trigger point in a muscle is released, better mobility and decreased pain are usually experienced.
Is Dry Needling Acupuncture?
Dry needling is not acupuncture. Dry needling utilizes anatomical landmarks of the body to locate and treat trigger points and ultimately, relieve pain and improve function. Trigger points are taut bands within a muscle that may cause local and referred pain, as well as, limit movement. Both dry needling and acupuncture involve the insertion of thin needles into certain parts of the body but the effects of the two treatments are very different.
Is Dry Needling safe for me?
Dry Needling is a safe and effective treatment for most patients. Sterile needles and sterile techniques are protocol. Please alert us if you are taking blood thinners or if you are immunocompromised.
Benefits of Dry Needling include:
Intramuscular stimulation, by way of dry needling, helps to:
Decrease muscle pain and soreness
Decrease muscular tension and improve myofascial flexibility
Decreased local and referred pain
Improve muscle function
Restore full mobility and improve flexibility
Improve a patient’s ability to move and function through normal daily activities
Conditions treated with Dry Needling
Dry needling is used to treat muscle pain and tension. The following are some of the conditions which may benefit from dry needling:
Back pain
Neck pain
Headaches
Whiplash and post-traumatic injuries
Athletic and sports related injuries
Tendinitis
Fibromyalgia
Chronic pain conditions