Therapeutic Dry Needling is a skilled intervention, utilized by doctors of chiropractors and other certified medical professionals to ease pain and promote healing.
Post Dry Needling Treatment Recommendations:
- Rest treated area for 24 hours
- Avoid strenuous / athletic activities for 48 hours
- Apply heat to treated tissues for 15 minutes every 3 hours
- No OTC anti-inflammatory medications (Advil, Aspirin, Aleve)
- Increase water intake
What is Dry Needling Treatment?
Dry needling is a manual therapy in which fine needles are inserted into myofascial trigger points (painful knots in muscles), tendons, ligaments, or fascia with a goal of increasing blood flow in an injured region and stimulating a healing response in painful musculoskeletal conditions. Dry needling is NOT Oriental Medicine Acupuncture, that is, it does not have the purpose of altering the energy flow (“chi”) along traditional Chinese meridians for the treatment of disease. Therapeutic Dry Needling IS a modern, science-based intervention for the treatment of pain and dysfunction in musculoskeletal conditions such as neck pain, back pain, sciatica, shoulder impingement, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, knee pain, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Needle Therapy
How does dry needling therapy work?
Dry needling uses a thin filiform needle that penetrates the skin and stimulates underlying myofascial trigger points, myofascial centers, and muscular and connective tissues. The needle allows a your chiropractor to directly target and treat affected tissues.
Is dry needling painful?
Your experience may vary, but most patients report pressure or aching at an intensity 1-2/10. Some describe the sensation of a thread passing through the muscle, but almost none say it is painful.
How long have chiropractors been dry needling?
Dr Jon Wilhelm, founder of Pro Chiro has been trained and effectively using dry needling for nearly a decade. Before Physical Therapist were even authorized to use this modality in Montana, the team at Pro Chiro was helping athletes achieve and with dry needling.
How long does it take for dry needling to work?
Typically, improved mobility is immediate and decreased pain is felt within 24 hours. It may take a few treatment sessions (twice a week for 2-3 weeks) for a lasting positive effect.
What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?
They use the same instrument, but theory, practice, and approach are unique to each. Acupuncture treats for the purpose of altering the flow of Qi (or energy) along traditional Chinese meridians while dry needling follows evidence-informed guidelines, recommended trigger point locations, and dosages for the treatment of specific neuromusculoskeletal diagnoses.
Your Bozeman Family Chiropractors
Your First Visit
Our staff and your personal family chiropractor will explain how chiropractic care works, and answer any questions you might have. After a thorough evaluation, we will customize a treatment plan that’s the best fit for your family member’s condition, goals, preferences, and lifestyle.
Disclaimer: If you are feeling light headed, or have trouble breathing, chest pain, or any other symptoms that concern you after treatment present to the ED and call your doctor right away. If you have other questions or concerns call Pro Chiropractic at (406) 388-9915.