Functional Dry Needling and Physical Therapy: Your Path to Pain Relief and Mobility
Tired of persistent muscle pain, limited mobility, or sports injuries holding you back from reaching your goals and enjoying life? Maybe you’ve tried a variety of interventions only to end up frustrated by the results.
If this sounds like you, then it’s time to explore the groundbreaking combination of functional dry needling and physical therapy.
This researched-backed approach can help you regain control of your body and lead a pain-free life.
Keep reading to delve into the benefits of functional dry needling treatment, the difference between it and acupuncture, and how combining this kind of treatment with physical therapy can transform your quality of life.
What is Dry Needling?
If you suffer from tight, tense, or knotted muscles, dry needling could be a good option. This therapeutic treatment targets irritated muscles, known as trigger points, to give you a greater range of motion, pain relief, and more.
Functional dry needling is a technique performed by skilled physical therapists that involves the insertion of thin, stainless-steel needles into specific muscle trigger points. These needles are solid, and no fluid is injected into the body, hence the term “dry.” The needles work to stimulate irritated muscles by triggering their healing response; the result is an improved muscle function to alleviate pain and promote overall healing.
Functional dry needling is often included among other pain management treatments to provide a holistic approach to wellness. In tandem with physical therapy, functional therapy can help you address issues with neck, shoulders, elbows, arms, legs, back, and other troublesome areas.
The Benefits of Functional Dry Needling
Functional dry needling is a modern, research-supported treatment drawing on precise knowledge of anatomy and physiology to target knotted or hard muscles. For some, treatment with needles can seem like an intimidating process. But rest assured that this treatment is performed by highly trained professionals ready to help you enjoy improved quality of life, including:
- Pain Reduction: A study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (2017) [1] found that functional dry needling is effective in reducing muscle pain and improving function in various musculoskeletal conditions.
- Muscle Relaxation: Treatments target trigger points, which are knots within muscles that cause pain and tension. By releasing these knots, it helps muscles relax without medication, leading to improved flexibility and range of motion.
- Faster Healing: Research in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies (2019) [2] suggests that functional dry needling can accelerate the healing process! Releasing knotted muscles stimulates blood flow and the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
- Improved Range of Motion: Through its pain reduction and restoration of blood & oxygen flow to muscles and joints, dry needling can help individuals see a greater range of motion. This is especially beneficial for sports athletes and individuals involved with intense activities.
- Complements Physical Therapy: Treatment is often integrated into physical therapy programs. The two treatments work symbiotically, enhancing the effectiveness of rehabilitation for sports injuries, back pain, and neck pain.
Understanding Acupuncture vs. Functional Dry Needling
Functional dry needling and acupuncture both involve applying thin, sterile needles to the body to relieve ailments. However, the similarities end here, as the two treatments differ in origin and focus.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice focusing on specific points along energy pathways called meridians. Unlike functional dry needling, which targets muscles, acupuncture aims to balance the body’s energy flow—or Qi—and is rooted in ancient Eastern philosophy.
Key Differences
- Purpose: Functional dry needling primarily targets trigger points to alleviate musculoskeletal pain and improve muscle function. Acupuncture aims to balance the body’s energy flow for overall health and wellness.
- Philosophy: Functional dry needling is based on western medicine that prioritizes modern anatomical and neurophysiological principles. In contrast, acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine’s holistic approach.
- Needle Depth: Functional dry needling is inserted deeper into the muscle tissue, while acupuncture often uses shallower needle insertions along meridians.
- Training: Physical therapists undergo rigorous training in human anatomy to perform functional dry needling. Acupuncturists also undergo specific training to master acupuncture techniques.
Book Treatment in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, or Radford
If you’re suffering from musculoskeletal issues in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, or Radford, then the professionals at Total Motion Physical Therapy can help. We offer a science-based, evidence-backed approach to overcoming pain and regaining control of your body through our expert functional dry-needling and physical therapy services.
Contact us today to discover how this dynamic combination can help you unlock your body’s true potential.
References:
- Dommerholt, J., & Fernández-de-las-Peñas, C. (2017). Trigger point dry needling. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 47(3), 133-134.
- Gattie, E., Cleland, J. A., & Snodgrass, S. (2017). Dry needling for patients with neck pain: protocol of a randomised controlled trial. Journal of Physiotherapy, 63(2), 124.
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OUR APPROACH
At Total Motion Physical Therapy our specialized doctors are trained to perform various orthopedic manual therapy techniques. Many studies have shown that by using manual therapy and exercise, patients get better faster with longer results. It’s for this reason that we follow-up our manual work with specific medical exercises that reinforce our manual techniques to further treat the source of the pain and not just the symptom.
We constantly reassess our patients throughout the course of their care to ensure that their treatment is specific to their needs, further providing the value of our treatment. Our staff has embraced the concept of being “life-long learners” and we are always acquiring and perfecting various physical therapy services interventions to better care for our patients.
Dry Needling | Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Dry Needling Supposed to Feel Like After?
Dry needling therapy is like a workout: Your muscles will feel slightly sore. The intensity of this soreness will lift after a few hours and go away after about a day or two. If dry needling was used to target trigger points, you may experience some twitching. Some bruising is common, too. Experiences will vary from patient to patient.
Does Dry Needling Hurt?
Pain response varies from person to person. The needles we use are very thin—almost hairlike—and so for some, the tiny prick of dry needling is barely noticeable, whereas it may feel slightly uncomfortable for others. Some patients report a dull ache when targeting trigger points. However, soon after a sense of pain relief washes over the area. Those who do the therapy often say they barely notice the needling after the initial visit.
What Is Dry Needling Used For?
The main objective of dry needling is to address pain and discomfort caused by muscle and mobility issues. When combined with physical therapy, this treatment can address conditions and aid with injury recovery, migraines, joint issues, jaw problems (TMJ), and much more. The trigger point and muscle stimulation can help restore blood flow to an area of the body, effectively aiding the body’s healing response.
How Long Should You Rest After Dry Needling?
Recovery is an important phase in getting the full effects of dry needling therapy. We recommend you rest for at least 24 hours after your appointment. Avoid strenuous activity during this time. Now is the perfect time to relax and rest. Stay hydrated, too. As you begin to feel better, you can introduce a few simple stretches to loosen the muscles and joints.
Who Does Dry Needling Near Me?
The team of Total Motion Physical Therapy provides dry needling services in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Radford. We welcome you to get in touch and schedule a consultation. We’ll take you through the process and see if you’re an ideal candidate for the therapy.
Does Dry Needling Help Plantar Fasciitis?
It does! Dry needling can help reduce the pain and discomfort experienced by plantar fasciitis. It may not totally cure it, but the combination of needling and physical therapy has been shown to reduce chronic heel pain and tenderness (source).
How Often Should Dry Needling Be Done?
Results vary. Some patients see relief after a single session. However, most will probably need a few visits to reach their session goals. Dry needling can be done 1-2 times a week, so plan for a 2 to 3-week plan (depending on your availability and those at our offices).