When you feel pain and cannot move certain muscles, you may have knots under your skin. These tiny knots are known as trigger points and may be painful to touch. Fortunately, dry needling in Scottsdale can help. Your physical therapist can find these knots and use needles to relieve pain.
But how does the treatment work?
This article explores the benefits of dry needling, how it works, and the conditions that may benefit from the treatment.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a physical therapy treatment that uses needles to release tension in your body. This treatment is used for pain relief and to improve your mobility. Your physical therapist will find knots in stiff areas of your body and insert long, thin needles to release the knots.
Although dry needling involves needles, the treatment is not painful. You may only feel a slight discomfort on insertion of the needles. Fortunately, physical therapy in Scottsdale, AZ, is experienced in carrying out dry needling treatment.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
Dry needling is a physical therapy treatment that may require multiple sessions, depending on your condition and its severity. Your physical therapist will examine you and ask about your medical history to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
During your first session, your physical therapist will ensure you are comfortable before commencing treatment. The needles used are sterilized, single-use and disposable.
Your physical therapist will then feel around the painful area in your body to locate the trigger point. Afterwards, they will insert the needle into the top layer of your skin to reach the trigger point. The needle may be in place for up to 20 minutes.
Although you may feel soreness and twitching during the treatment, it shows that dry needling works and your muscles are responding to treatment.
What Are 6 Benefits Of Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a drug-free treatment that offers the following benefits:
#1 – Speeds Up Pain Relief
The tiny knots under your skin do not receive enough blood and oxygen, causing pain. However, dry needling uses needles to deactivate the trigger points. This improves circulation and flushes out the tight area, relieving pain.
#2 – Triggers The Body’s Natural Healing Process
The body consists of natural pain relievers, also known as endorphins. When you get a dry needling treatment, the needles cause micro punctures in the treated area. This triggers signals in your body to release its pain relievers and speed up healing.
#3 – Relieves Muscle Tension
The tight bands of muscle are tense and painful to touch. Fortunately, dry needling can relieve muscle tension. The needles cause the twitching response to release the tense muscles.
#4 – Improves Range Of Motion
Tight, painful muscles make it difficult to move, limiting your mobility. Unfortunately, your muscles can weaken and lose mass when inactive. Dry needling therapy can release the knots that reduce your range of motion and restore mobility.
#5 – Relieves Chronic Conditions
Dry needling can benefit chronic conditions like migraines and tendonitis. The treatment helps to release muscle tightness and reduce inflammation associated with chronic conditions to promote healing.
#6 – Safe Procedure
Dry needling is a safe, drug-free, and minimally invasive procedure. Therefore, the treatment has a low risk of complications. A session may take 30 minutes. Usually, you should experience relief after the first session. However, depending on the severity of your condition, your physical therapist may recommend multiple sessions.
What Conditions Can Benefit From Dry Needling?
Dry needling can help treat several musculoskeletal conditions. Your physical therapist can recommend this treatment for the following conditions;
- Neck pain
- Rotator cuff pain
- Knee pain
- Tennis elbow
- Shoulder pain
- Hip pain
- Whiplash
- Migraines
- Pelvic pain
- Spinal dysfunction
- Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ)
Do You Qualify For Dry Needling?
Now that you understand the benefits of dry needling and the conditions they may treat, you may wonder if you qualify for the treatment.
Although dry needling is a safe treatment, especially when performed in Scottsdale, you may not qualify for the treatment. For instance, children under 12 cannot get dry needling because it is considered painful.
Also, if you have a phobia for needles, are pregnant, or are using blood thinners, this treatment may not be for you. You may also not qualify if you have a medical emergency, diabetes, or epilepsy.
You should consult your physical therapist and discuss your medical history to know if you qualify.
Conclusion
If you qualify for dry needling, your physical therapist will recommend it. This treatment can improve your range of motion, speed your recovery, and relieve pain. Do not hesitate to consult physical therapy in Scottsdale, AZ, if you feel pain or limited mobility anywhere in your body.