Trigger Point Dry Needling (TrP-DN) is an effective treatment that reduces soreness and tenderness which are associated with trigger points, which are hyperirritable spots in a muscle. This technique is a specialized technique and is creating a buzz in the physical therapy world. At Oklahoma Physical Therapy, our therapists effectively treat patients with face, neck, lower back, shoulders, arms, feet and hands utilizing TrP-DN.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dry Needling?
It is an invasive procedure to desensitize and deactivate trigger points by using an acupuncture needle. A small, disposable yet sterile solid filament needle is repeatedly inserted into the myofascial trigger point to manually cause a local twitching response in the muscle.
Why an Acupuncture Needle?
An acupuncture needle is solid, very fine and doesn’t hurt as it passes through the skin as compared to a hollow injection needle. Also, using an acupuncture needle is commonly known to be less invasive.f
What are the benefits of Dry Needling?
- Provides a longer lasting pain relief
- Improved blood flow
- Immediate relief of symptoms
- Elimination of tension
- Releasing of tight muscles
- Increased healing time
- Aids in creating pain free range of motion
- Reduced pain and healing of:
- Chronic Muscles
- Tendon and Joint Injuries
- Helps with getting you back to exercising and enjoying daily activities
Who benefits from Dry Needling?
Individuals with sports injuries, chronic pain or overuse injuries will benefit the most from trigger point dry needling.
What conditions are treated by using Dry Needling?
- Headaches and neck pain
- Frozen shoulder, shoulder and arm pain
- Low back, hip, buttock, quadriceps and hamstring pain
- TMJ pain
- Plantar Fasciitis
How long will each session take?
A typical session should last about 30 minutes but it may be less than or more than depending on the size of the treatable area. You may need up to six sessions but you should experience effective results in as little as one treatment.
How will I know if Dry Needling is working?
After one treatment your muscle will feel tired and sore as if you had just completed a great workout or too much activity. This might last for one to two days however the pain should be reduced and you should be able to perform your daily activities. The chronic injury should start to improve and a continued reduction in pain should happen after a day or so.
At Oklahoma Physical Therapy our trained and skilled physical therapists main goal is to help you get back to a pain free range of motion whether that is with trigger point dry needling or various other techniques.