Have muscle pain or tightness? You might benefit from trigger point dry needling techniques. At Great Moves Physical Therapy, we offer dry needling as a treatment modality to complement our trusted physical therapy services.
Trigger point dry needling is a technique utilizing acupuncture-like needles to release trigger points in your muscle. Furthermore, people more commonly refer to these trigger points as ‘knots,’ which are tender or painful areas within a muscle.
Moreover, research has shown that TrP needling effectively reduces pain and increases range of motion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dry Needling:
• Is trigger point dry needling painful?
A majority of our patients say that the procedure is painless or that the trigger point was more painful than the procedure.
• How will I know if dry needling works?
Dry needling has an immediate effect on your muscle pain and tightness. For many patients, dry needling immediately relieves muscle pain and tightness. Additionally, the process can result in a “twitch” response from the muscle, which can lead to a sudden release of muscle tension. A sensation of relief can sometimes accompany this. Furthermore, our specialist will assess you after each procedure to maximize its effectiveness.
• How often is it needed?
Most patients are seen 1 to 2 times a week for 3 weeks. Although, the frequency of dry needling treatments can vary depending on several factors, including the individual’s condition, the severity of symptoms, the desired outcome, and the therapist’s assessment. Conversely, here’s a general overview of how often dry needling might be needed:
- Acute Conditions: For acute injuries or conditions, a patient might benefit from dry needling once or twice a week. This frequent application can help manage pain and facilitate the early stages of healing.
- Chronic Conditions: Chronic issues might initially require treatments spaced close together (e.g., once a week) and then decrease in frequency as the symptoms improve. Over time, treatments might shift to every other week or even monthly, depending on the progress and therapist’s recommendations.
- Maintenance Phase: After addressing the primary symptoms, some individuals choose to have maintenance treatments every few weeks or months to manage any remaining discomfort or to prevent its return.
Most appointments are a half hour in length.
• Does insurance cover dry needling?
Dry needling falls under physical therapy benefits. However, we’ll verify your benefits and discuss payment options with you before treatment to ensure coverage.
Free Initial Trigger Point Dry Needling Consultation
Is TrP dry needling right for you? Talk to a qualified specialist at Great Moves Physical Therapy. Please contact us by calling 719-477-6870 if you have any questions or want to schedule a FREE consultation.