Dry needling, sometimes called trigger point dry needling or intramuscular manual therapy is a technique physical therapists use (where allowed by state law) for the treatment of pain and movement impairments, through the use of a fine, filament needle. The needle allows a physical therapist to target tissues that are not manually palpable. Dry needling contrasts with the use of a hollow hypodermic needle to inject substances such as saline solution, or corticosteroids to the same point. Use of a solid “dry” needle has been found to be as effective as injection of substances for relieving pain in muscles and connective tissue. Specialists who perform dry needling physical therapy supplement that knowledge by obtaining specific postgraduate education and training. Please note, acupuncture and dry needling techniques may be similar, but their rationale and use in treatment are entirely different.
How does dry needling work?
Dry needling is said to relieve pain via mechanical and biochemical effects from trigger points when local twitch responses, or spinal cord reflexes, are elicited. Because the needles are so thin, the patient often does not even feel the needle go into the skin, but will quickly feel the relief of the muscle relaxing. Clinical results are achieved by releasing a shortened muscle, removing a source of irritation, decreasing spontaneous electrical activity (SEA) and promoting healing. It is typically one technique that’s part of a larger treatment plan, but some patients report a change of signs or symptoms during the first visit. Some patients do report being sore after the procedure. Typically, the soreness lasts between a few hours and two days.
What type of problems can dry needling treat?
- Muscle tightness
- Sports injuries
- Neck and back pain
- Chronic pain syndrome
- Headaches/migraines related to tension and neuromuscular pain within the cervical spine
- Pain-related symptoms that have not resolved through traditional therapy treatments related to tension and neuromuscular pain within the cervical spine
- Pain-related symptoms that have not resolved through traditional treatment methods Is the procedure painful?
Dry Needling practice varies by state’s physical therapy practice act. Please call to verify your Phoenix clinic can provide the service.
Johns Creek Services
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Johns Creek Town Center, 3630 Peachtree Parkway
Suite 702
Suwanee, GA, 30024-6053
Phone: (470) 297-5575
Fax: (470) 297-3777
Email: suwanee@phoenixrehab.com
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Welcome to Johns Creek
At Phoenix, we understand patient’s frustration with rehabilitation. That’s why we’re proud to provide comprehensive, purposeful and cost-effective services. We don’t just want you to imagine getting back to your old self; we want you to feel like you again. To do so, we provide you with a passionate and dedicated staff ready to guide you each step of the way...
I lived in horrible pain from a frozen shoulder for a few months before being referred to physical therapy in hopes of avoiding surgery. I can’t thank a Mark and Danny enough for their patience, kindness, compassion, encouragement and expertise. Without them, I would NEVER have been successful persevering through over six months of therapy (especially in the early days when I cried in about one of every two or three sessions). The fact that they cared so much about me as a patient and as a person made me want to work harder and never give up.
Because of therapy, with Mark and Danny, I have my life back. I don’t live in pain. I can do daily activities, exercise, and play sports. I can’t thank them enough for the difference they have made in my life.
I have heard it said that a great physical therapist is hard to find, difficult to part with, and impossible to forget. Fortunately, for me, they weren’t hard to find, but they sure are difficult to part with, and I’ll never forget them! I am forever grateful for physical therapy with Mark and Danny at Phoenix!”
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