What is Dry Needling, and How Can It Help Me?

If you feel as though pain and stiffness is stopping you from being able to move around comfortably, then finding fast and effective pain relief should be your top priority. Dry needling is a good solution here, as it’s not only safe but also evidence-based. Dry needling uses thin and sterile needles to relieve tight and painful knots that form in your muscles, known as trigger points. With the procedure being so successful, it’s often used alongside a comprehensive pain management plan, including stretching, manual therapy, and exercise. If you want to know more about dry needling, take a look below.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a technique that is used by acupuncturists, therapists, and licensed healthcare professionals. Unlike injections, the needles used in dry needling don’t contain any medication. The goal is to simply stimulate the muscle and surrounding tissue, to promote healthy healing and relaxation. 

Dry needling also targets myofascial trigger points. These are the tender, knotted areas that form in muscles as well as in fascia, which is the thin connective tissue that surrounds your muscles. These points can be painful when touched, and they are also often linked to other parts of the body. A trigger point in your neck may cause headaches, while one in your hip may lead to pain radiating all the way down your leg.

By inserting a thin needle directly into the trigger point, it becomes possible to reset the muscle fibres, which helps to release tension while contributing to blood flow. Not only does this contribute to mobility, but it also helps with pain relief. If you combine dry needling with physical therapy Austin, TX, you should notice a huge improvement in your mobility, with less pain and more flexibility throughout everything you do.

How does Dry Needling Work?

When muscles are overused or when they are injured, they enter what’s known as an energy crisis. This happens when muscle fibres don’t get enough oxygen or nutrients, because of reduced blood flow. The tissue then becomes acidic, and the nerve endings become more sensitive. Dry needling directly addresses this cycle. When a provider inserts a needle into the trigger point, it draws fresh blood into the area, which helps to flush metabolic waste while relieving tight muscle fibres. This process stimulates the nervous system, and it also prompts the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. 

During treatment, it’s completely normal to feel a twitch or a spasm. This is a local twitch response, and it is a very positive sign that your muscles are reacting and starting to release tension. Some people notice an improvement immediately after treatment, while others notice gradual relief over the space of a few sessions. By combining dry needling with physical therapy Dallas, TX, you should see a notable difference. 

What Conditions Benefit from Dry Needling?

Numerous conditions benefit from dry needling. Some of them include:

• Back and neck pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Shoulder tension
• Leg and foot pain
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Joint pain and stiffness
• TMJ and jaw pain
• Post-surgical recovery

When you come to us for a dry needling procedure, we will work with you to assess whether it’s appropriate for you, while addressing your specific needs and goals.

What to Expect during Dry Needling

Dry needling begins by undergoing a full evaluation. We will review your symptoms as well as your medical history. We will also assess your movement patterns so we can identify where your trigger points are, as well as working with you to give you the support you need to feel confident in the process moving forward.

When we have identified the treatment area, we will then insert a thin needle into the muscle. Some people feel a mild pinch, others feel a dull ache, or a twitch, as the muscle relaxes. The needle will sometimes stay in place for a few minutes, or we may use a pistoning technique to try and elicit a twitch response.

When we have completed the treatment, it’s common for you to feel some mild soreness. This can be compared to the feeling of doing a workout. This is normal, and you can apply ice to try and ease any discomfort. With that said, you should notice an improvement in your pain and mobility after the session.

How Dry Needling Fits into Our Approach to Pain Management

Here at Direct Orthopedic Care, we take a comprehensive approach to both healing and recovery. Dry needling isn’t a standalone procedure; it’s one of the tools we use to help our patients overcome pain while restoring function. Our providers often combine dry needling with therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, stretching, and patient education.

We have over 15 providers trained in this procedure and are confident in providing you excellent care, no matter which location you visit us at. Whether you are recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or simply trying to improve your performance as an athlete, we will always focus on identifying the root cause of your discomfort, rather than trying to mask the symptoms themselves.

Why People Choose Us for Dry Needling

Our patients come to us time and time again for dry needling because they know that we are trained and experienced. We always ensure that the needle placement is correct, and we prioritize communication throughout. Not only do we take the time to explain each step, but we will also answer questions and ensure you’re comfortable throughout the session. It’s our goal to make sure that you are able to move confidently and comfortably, with less pain and a greater range of motion. For a lot of patients, dry needling is a turning point in recovery, where other methods might have fallen short.

Take the Next Step Today

If you find that muscle pain, joint stiffness, or limited mobility is affecting your life, dry needling could be the solution. We have over 15 skilled providers who offer this service across our Austin and Dallas locations. We pride ourselves on patient care, so you can trust us at Direct Orthopedic Care to help you get the treatment you need to feel better about yourself and your recovery. Contact us today to book an appointment.