Dry needling is a safe and effective method of treatment performed by a licensed physical therapist that reduces pain and muscle tension while improving mobility. It has been proven to treat numerous musculoskeletal issues, including acute and chronic injuries, overuse injuries, neck pain, headaches, back pain, sciatica, muscle spasms, muscle strains, tendinitis, knee pain, hip pain, fibromyalgia, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and more.
If you are in Metro Denver dealing with one of these conditions and you’re looking for relief, or if you’d like to gain more information on how dry needling could benefit you, contact Physical Therapy & Injury Specialists (PTIS) in Englewood, CO at our physical therapy clinic on Pearl Street or South Maroon today!
What is trigger point dry needling?
We know the phrase might sound scary, but dry needling is quite simple. This healthcare treatment involves inserting very thin needles into areas of your body. It’s similar to acupuncture, but dry needling is more focused. While acupuncture places needles based on energy flow, dry needling targets trigger points. Furthermore, dry needling is different because it prioritizes pain relief over general wellness.
What are the trigger points you use in dry needling? These are specific areas in muscles or connective tissue. When a person has chronic pain, trigger points can tense up and make pain worse. However, applying needle pressure encourages them to relax. Common trigger points include spots along the spine, shoulder joints, and hips.
What conditions can be treated with dry needling?
Dry needling is primarily a treatment used to manage pain and is often used in conjunction with other therapies. People mostly sign up for this type of care if they have chronic pain. While it’s great for reducing chronic pain, that’s not its only use. It also works well for acute or temporary pain. Any time you have pain caused by tension in muscles, joints, or tendons, it can help.
You don’t need a medical diagnosis before you get dry needling. If you aren’t comfortable, you can go ahead and sign up for it whenever you’d like. Some common reasons people get this treatment include:
- Tendonitis
- Migraines
- Whiplash
- Carpal tunnel
- Joint issues
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle strains
- Herniated discs
- Sciatica
- Bone spurs
- Cramps
- Bursitis
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
Is it painful?
Though it might seem a little concerning, dry needling isn’t actually too painful. The needles used for this treatment are far smaller than those you’d encounter in other settings. Most people who try this treatment say the initial insertion feels like a snap from a rubber band. If the area is very tense, there can be slight discomfort for as long as the needle stays there. However, people do not find that there is pain in the days after needle removal.
How well does it work?
While dry needling isn’t the most common pain treatment, it’s very effective. Research shows that it can reduce pain in a variety of locations. Compared to other types of interventions, it has few side effects, too. People who get this treatment have longer-lasting results and continue to feel less pain for months. Ultimately, it’s a great choice for those dealing with musculoskeletal pain.
Reference: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Does insurance cover dry needling?
In most cases, dry needling isn’t something your insurance will cover. Because most plans see it as an optional treatment, they won’t want to pay for it. However, this doesn’t mean dry needling has to be pricey. You can often find it as an add-on service alongside other healthcare. This can make it more affordable.
Dry needling can speed up recovery and allow you to return to your daily life as quickly as possible. If you are interested in our Metro Denver dry needling services, don’t hesitate to contact Physical Therapy & Injury Specialists (PTIS) today in Englewood, CO, at our physical therapy clinic on Pearl Street or South Maroon to request an appointment. We’ll get you started on the path toward recovery!