When you have chronic lower back pain or a sports injury, finding an experienced physical therapy clinic that embraces a variety of techniques is critical to your recovery. One method widely embraced by rehabilitation professionals is dry needling. If you are unfamiliar with this method, here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions. 

4 FAQ About Dry Needling 

What Is Dry Needling?

Trigger point dry needling or DN is a treatment that often coincides with physical therapy and muscle rehabilitation. The therapist will insert filament needles into particular trigger points within taut bands of soft tissue as a way to release muscle tension or spasms. 

What Are the Benefits of This Treatment?

It is highly effective in relieving muscle tension. As such, physical therapists often recommend dry needling to relieve chronic pain, acute pain, bursitis, joint stiffness, spasms, and headaches. 

How Is Dry Needling Different From Acupuncture?

While both acupuncture and dry needling utilize the same kind of needle, the former is based on ancient Chinese medicine whereas DN is a result of Western medical research. Both treatment options can reduce muscle tension; however, the treatment protocol, fundamentals, and methodology are different. Dry needling incorporates more manipulation and less time sitting with the needles inserted undisturbed. 

Is Dry Needling Therapy Painful?

DN can be uncomfortable with some patients reporting pain and others reporting minimal discomfort. The benefits achieved with dry needling are positive, including:

• Overall decreased pain
• Decreased muscle spasms
• Increased range of motion
• Improvement with soft tissue pliability
• Improvement with posture
• Ability to progress with strengthening

Snyder Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation has been serving patients throughout Lincoln and Lancaster County, NE, for over 27 years. If you’re looking for an experienced physical therapist that believes in creating individualized treatment plans for pain reduction and faster rehabilitation times, call (402) 489-1999 to schedule an appointment. For more information on how this physical therapy practice treats a variety of ailments, from knee and lower back pain to sports injuries, visit their website.