Dry Needling Therapy for Pain Relief

Experience dry needling therapy for pain relief, muscle relaxation, and enhanced recovery. ReLiva therapists provide targeted dry needling treatment to help you feel your best. Call now for dry needling near me.

What is Dry Needling Therapy?

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used by physical therapists and other healthcare professionals to treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. It involves insertion of solid, thin needles into trigger points (knots of muscle that can cause pain and discomfort), or other areas of muscle and connective tissue. It focuses on relieving pain and improving function by targeting specific anatomical sites. When the needles penetrate the trigger points, they can help release muscle tension, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation. This process can lead to reduced pain and improvement in range of motion and muscle function.

How Dry Needling Therapy Works

Physical therapists or trained needling experts perform an in-depth evaluation to determine if dry needling is appropriate. Then they discuss your symptoms while assessing mobility and muscle function to determine if trigger points are contributing to symptoms. A trigger point is a local band of tight, irritable and dysfunctional muscle tissue. This often emerges because of injury, overuse or poor movement patterns.

In dry needling, the therapist inserts thin needles into or near your trigger points. The needles stimulate your muscles, which causes them to contract or twitch. Stimulating a trigger point with a needle helps draw normal blood supply back to flush out the area and release tension. The prick sensation can also fire off nerve fibers that stimulate your brain to release endorphins, your body’s homemade pain medication.

That’s how dry needling is used to release tight muscle bands associated with trigger point, or hard ‘knots’ within a muscle which may be causing pain over a large area.

Benefits of Dry Needling Therapy

When dry needling is applied to an affected muscle or trigger point, it can decrease muscle tightness, increase blood flow and reduce pain. Patients often report immediate relief after treatment, which includes the following benefits:

Pain Relief: Reduces muscle pain by releasing tension in tight areas (trigger points)
Improved Mobility: Loosens stiff muscles, allowing for better movement.
Reduced Inflammation: Promotes blood flow to speed up healing.
Enhanced Recovery: Speeds up recovery from injuries and reduces muscle soreness.
Better Muscle Function: Relaxes muscles, improving their strength and function.

Conditions Treated with Dry Needling Therapy

Dry needling is used as a component of your overall treatment plan that will likely involve manual therapy, exercise, and heat therapy. It can be used to treat the following conditions:

What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session at ReLiva

At ReLiva Physiotherapy, the therapist will first evaluate your condition and discuss your symptoms and goals. Once dry needling is identified as a component of your overall treatment, they will prepare you for the same. Thin, sterile needles are inserted directly into trigger points (tight muscle knots) in the affected muscles. You might feel a quick, sharp sensation as the needle goes in, followed by muscle twitching or a dull ache, which is normal and signals that the muscle is relaxing.

After the session, you may feel immediate pain relief or a reduction in tension. Some soreness is normal and usually fades within a day or two. The physiotherapist will guide you on other therapy, stretches or exercises to maximize results and manage any post-session soreness.

The process is safe and can effectively relieve pain and improve mobility.

Why Choose ReLiva Physiotherapy for Dry Needling Therapy?

ReLiva Physiotherapy & Rehab propagates advanced therapy and modern treatment techniques. Reliva physiotherapists across locations are trained in safe, effective techniques including dry needling. They understand when and how to apply dry needling for the best results.

ReLiva’s personalized approach ensures that every session targets your unique needs, and best possible therapy (including needling) is appropriately utilized, helping to improve mobility and accelerate recovery. We prioritize patient comfort and effective results, supporting you through every step of your treatment.

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FAQs

What is dry needling, and how is it different from acupuncture?

Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine and aims to balance the body's energy flow, dry needling is rooted in Western medicine. It focuses on relieving pain and improving function by targeting specific anatomical sites. When the needles penetrate the trigger points, they can help release muscle tension, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation.

How does dry needling relieve muscle pain and tension?

A needling therapist carefully inserts thin needles into tight muscle areas, known as trigger points. This relaxes the muscles and improves blood flow. This process can lead to a decrease in pain and an improvement in range of motion and muscle function.

How long does a typical dry needling session last?

The needles remain in your muscle for a short period of time — between 10 seconds and 20 minutes — during treatment. This depends on the treatment location, number of needles used and treatment goals.

Some people feel improvement in their pain and mobility almost immediately after a dry needling session. For others, it takes more than one session.

Does dry needling hurt, and what does it feel like?

Needling is done at or around trigger points. These can be painful to touch, so you may feel some discomfort while your therapist finds the exact spot. During needling, you might feel a small prick, and while the needle is in, it can be painful and cause a twitch response. Afterward, you may feel tightness or soreness near the insertion site, but it’s important to keep moving and stretching.

Can anyone get dry needling, or are there contraindications?

Dry needling is not recommended for individuals with bleeding disorders, infections at the treatment site, uncontrolled diabetes, or those on blood-thinning medications. Pregnant women, people with metal allergies, or severe needle phobia should also avoid dry needling therapy.

How should I prepare for a dry needling session?

It is recommended to wear comfortable, loose clothing to allow easy access to treatment areas. Stay hydrated and eat a light meal beforehand. It is advised to avoid coffee, as it may increase sensitivity.

Share your medical history and any current medications with the therapist beforehand to ensure safe treatment.

Therapies available at ReLiva Physiotherapy & Rehab

Physiotherapists use a combination of advanced and specialised therapies for effective pain relief, improved movement and faster recovery.