Dry Needling
DRY NEEDLING COMING TO ST.CROIX IN JUNE 2022
Dry needling is a treatment performed by skilled, trained physical therapists, certified in the procedure. A thin monofilament needle penetrates the skin and treats underlying muscular trigger points for the management of neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments. It’s important to note dry needling is not the same as acupuncture. It uses similar tools, but that’s where the similarities end. Dry needling is performed by different practitioners with different training. Acupuncture is based on Eastern medicine, while dry needling is rooted in Western medicine and evaluation of pain patterns, posture, movement impairments, function, and orthopedic tests. You may have heard of this treatment and wondered what exactly it is or if it’s something that may be right for you. While the name of the procedure may sound intimidating, dry needling is safe, minimally discomforting, effective technique for patients with certain musculoskeletal presentations.
Dry needling treats muscle tissue, and its goal is to reduce pain, inactivate trigger points and restore function. It rarely is a standalone procedure. Rather, it often is part of a broader physical therapy approach incorporating other traditional physical therapy interventions into treatment. Dry needling can be used for a wide variety of musculoskeletal issues, such as shoulder, neck, heel, hip, and back pain. While research indicates dry needling is a safe and effective approach for treating and managing pain.
CALL WITH QUESTIONS AND TO SCHEDULE 340 277-7391
Dry Needling for Muscle Pain & Improved Movement
If you are experiencing persistent muscle pain, tightness, or limited movement, dry needling may help you recover faster and return to the activities you enjoy.
At Integrated Therapy, LLC, dry needling is performed by an experienced orthopedic physical therapist as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may also include manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and movement retraining.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a skilled treatment technique that uses very thin, sterile, single-use needles to target tight muscles and myofascial trigger points (commonly known as "muscle knots"). By releasing these trigger points, dry needling can decrease pain, reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and restore normal muscle function.
Unlike injections, nothing is injected into the body. The needle itself stimulates the muscle and nervous system to promote healing.
What Conditions Can Dry Needling Help?
Dry needling can be effective for many orthopedic conditions, including:
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Sciatica
- Headaches
- Shoulder pain and rotator cuff injuries
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer's elbow
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Hip pain
- Knee pain
- IT Band Syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinitis
- Muscle strains
- Chronic muscle tightness
- Sports injuries
How Does It Work?
When a trigger point is treated, the muscle often responds with a brief twitch, known as a local twitch response. This helps the muscle relax, improves blood flow, reduces inflammation, and decreases pain. Many patients notice improved movement immediately after treatment.
Does It Hurt?
Most patients tolerate dry needling very well. You may feel a brief muscle cramp or twitch during treatment, followed by a feeling of relaxation. Mild soreness similar to a post-workout sensation can occur for 24–48 hours but typically resolves quickly.
What Are the Benefits?
Dry needling may help:
- Reduce muscle pain
- Release muscle knots and trigger points
- Improve flexibility and range of motion
- Decrease muscle spasms
- Improve strength and muscle activation
- Increase circulation
- Accelerate recovery from injury
- Enhance athletic performance
- Restore normal movement
Why Choose Integrated Therapy?
At Integrated Therapy, we don't simply treat the painful area—we identify and address the underlying cause of your symptoms.
Every treatment is one-on-one with the same licensed physical therapist throughout your care. Dry needling is often combined with:
- McKenzie Method® mechanical diagnosis and therapy
- Graston Technique® Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
- Cold Laser Therapy
- Manual Therapy
- Individualized Therapeutic Exercise
- Postural Correction
- Balance and Functional Training
This comprehensive approach helps achieve faster pain relief while improving long-term function and reducing the likelihood of symptoms returning.
Schedule Your Evaluation
If muscle pain or tightness is limiting your daily activities, work, or favorite hobbies, dry needling may be an excellent treatment option.
Integrated Therapy, LLC
- Orthopedic Physical Therapy
- One-on-One Personalized Care
- Insurance Accepted • Self-Pay Available
to schedule your evaluation and find out if dry needling is right for you.
Text or Call to Make Appointment
Mon - Fri: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (340) 277-7391