Do you have pain? Do you have tight muscles? Are you feeling stressed out?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Dry Needling might be a good treatment option for you! Rebalance Physical Therapy offers professional dry needling in Philadelphia and Main Line, PA.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry Needling is the use of sterilized needles inserted into the body to elicit a calming and relaxing response to both the muscle trigger points and the nervous system to improve pain, tightness, stress, and function. The needles can be placed in many areas throughout the body and follow specific anatomical landmarks to target specific areas. They are kept in place for anywhere between 2 seconds to 30/45 minutes and may be used in conjunction with an electrical current to promote the most impact on both the mechanical and neurological systems.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
I will try to keep this as simple as possible! There is a complicated physiological process that occurs for muscles contract and relax. Sometimes this system can become disregulated, especially when the central nervous system (CNS) and autonomic nervous system (ANS) are working overtime! (ie when we are stressed out from life circumstances or experiencing chronic/acute pain) When this happens, muscles contract more spontaneously and have more difficulty relaxing. Needling helps to restore homeostasis of the muscular and neurological systems.
If you want to read more details about the physiological process about how dry needling works, we suggest that you read this blog by Intricate Art Seminars.
How is it Different from Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years. The needles follow median lines to improve Qi/Chi (energy) flow in the body. Acupuncture treats a variety of ailments and illnesses based on these meridians.
Is Dry Needling Safe?
Yes. There are many studies performed that demonstrate very little risk for infection or injury. Precautions are taken with the placement of needles to ensure safety. Physical therapists are highly trained in the field of anatomy, so we are able to place the needles in the appropriate places to limit damage to nerves or organs.
Will it Hurt?
It depends. Some people won’t feel any pain during dry needling treatment. Others might feel a pinch at the beginning. Some might feel discomfort intermittently through the treatment. If there is discomfort, this typically indicates that there is pathology (ie something problematic) with the targeted tissue area and it needs to be treated. With subsequent treatments, the discomfort should improve. We listen to our patients, and at any point we can adjust the needle placement or remove the needle at request.
What can it Treat?
The list is too long to write here, but here are a few conditions dry needling can help treating:
- Muscle pain/stiffness/tightness
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Scar tissue
- Low back pain
- Neck pain
- TMJ
- Headaches/migraines
- Neuralgia
- Post-surgical recovery
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Vulvodynia
- Incontinence
- Sexual dysfunction
If you want to learn more or are interested in having a dry needling performed in Philadelphia or Main Line, PA, please reach out to schedule an appointment at one of Rebalance clinics!
