Dry needling sounds sinister, but in reality, it’s a modern, noninvasive technique for relieving muscle pain. Remember that nagging backache that plagued you last year, and nothing seemed to help? Dry needling is often a solution for this type of pain. Your physical therapist in Mullica Hill, NJ, can tell you more about the benefits of dry needling for easing muscle aches and restoring function.

How Big Are the Needles Used in Dry Needling?

The monofilament needles used in dry needling bear little resemblance to the type of needle you’re picturing. Much, much slimmer than needles used to inject fluids, they can be inserted into the skin in a way that’s virtually painless.

How Do Needles Relieve Pain?

During the process of dry needling, these very-fine needles are inserted into trigger points. These trigger points are bands of muscle that are tight or irritated. They may be limiting your range of motion or causing nagging pain that won’t let up. Once the needles are skillfully inserted, they can release the tension in the band. They may also increase blood flow to the affected tissue, speeding healing. Relief is often instantaneous.

How Long Do the Needles Stay In?

The needles are inserted into your skin for only a short period of time — usually just seconds, but sometimes up to 20 minutes. This technique should only be performed by trained, licensed, and certified physical therapists or acupuncturists because it requires skill and education.

What Type of Pain Does Dry Needling Relieve?

This technique has proven effective on a range of issues, including shoulder pain, lower back pain, tendinitis, whiplash, headache, and TMJ.

If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of dry needling in Mullica Hill, NJ, call Woodstown Physical Therapy and Sports Rehab today.