Dry Needling

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique involving the insertion of one or two thin monofilament needles into your muscle trigger points, which are areas of tight, irritated muscle tissue. Your chiropractor inserts the thin needles into your muscle for a short time, typically between 10 seconds to 20 minutes, depending on your treatment location, the number of needles used, and your treatment goals. This highly effective therapy reduces pain and improves muscle function and range of motion by stimulating your body’s natural healing response.

The needles used in dry needling are similar to those used in acupuncture. However, suppose you’ve heard of both acupuncture and dry needling before. You may wonder, “Isn’t acupuncture and dry needling the same thing?”. Dry needling and acupuncture are actually two different techniques, delivering different results using a thin needle.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice of balancing the body’s energy flow by stimulating specific points. The needles used in acupuncture are also inserted into the skin at different depths depending on the treatment. Dry needling is a modern therapeutic technique based on Western medical principles. It’s used as part of chiropractic treatments to relieve pain and muscle tension by inserting needles into trigger points.

When it comes to dry needling, a common question for many individuals is, “Does dry needling hurt?”. The level of discomfort experienced during dry needling varies, depending on your pain threshold and the location of the targeted trigger point. Some individuals may experience a mild sensation when the needle is inserted, while others may feel a slight twitch or ache in the muscle. However, any discomfort usually subsides quickly once the needle is removed. It’s important to remember dry needling should only be performed by a licensed, trained healthcare professional to ensure safety and effectiveness.