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Muscle spasms in Woodstown, NJ are a relatively common occurrence, and this is partially because any number of conditions can cause them. Below, we’ll look at what you should know about muscle spasms, some of their most common reasons, and what you can do to end them.

Spasms Vs. Twitches

You can tell a spasm from a twitch by its severity. A twitch is momentary and typically more of a nuisance than a pain. Spasms will last longer and can lead to larger issues, especially if untreated for too long.

Overuse

The more you use a muscle, the more likely it will begin to fight back. When muscles are too tired, the spasms are your body’s way of telling you to take it easy. Overuse also depletes your electrolytes, which can lead to spasms.

Stress

Whether it’s because you’ve had too many cups of coffee, too few hours of sleep, or just on a deadline, stress can cause many strange physical reactions in people. The more stressed out you are, the more likely you are to have spasms.

Underlying Conditions

From pinched nerves to degenerative diseases like MS, muscle spasms can be the first sign that all is not well in your body. If you do have a bigger medical disorder, you shouldn’t wait to get a diagnosis. Early intervention may be able to help you avoid irreversible consequences or stave off symptoms for as long as possible.

Physical Therapy in Woodstown, NJ

Whether you’ve been training, under pressure, or recently discovered a medical ailment, physical therapy in Woodstown, NJ may be able to prevent or dramatically reduce your muscle spasms. At Woodstown Physical Therapy, our staff can help you find a treatment plan that works for you!

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.

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