The biggest misconception about dry needling is that it is a form of acupuncture. The only resemblance to this traditional Chinese medicine technique is the use of thin needles during the procedure.
So, what exactly is dry needling, and who can benefit from it?
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a popular treatment used to ease muscular pain. During the treatment, a practitioner inserts thin steel needles into the skin. Since they don’t inject anything through them, the technique was named dry needling.
This treatment aims to stimulate specific trigger points in your muscles or other tissues. The practitioners search for “knots” that are believed to cause pain, discomfort, and muscle spasms. By stimulating these points, practitioners manage to release the knots and relieve the symptoms.
What Can Dry Needling Help With?
Your chiropractor will most likely suggest dry needling as a part of overall treatment, not a stand-alone solution. Dry needling is used to alleviate pain, reduce muscle tightness, remove scar tissue, increase range of motion, and reduce muscle spasms.
A practitioner may suggest dry needling if you suffer from:
- Joint problems
- Spinal issues
- Pelvic pain
- Migraines
- Tension headaches
- Whiplash
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Night cramps
- Tendinitis
- Jaw problems
- Sports injuries
The Benefits of Dry Needling
The most common benefit people experience with dry needling is muscle pain relief. In addition, this technique could help ease stiffness, improve range of motion, and increase flexibility. That’s why it is a popular option among chiropractors assisting athletes to overcome sports injuries.
Dry needling is a great way to relieve muscle pain, and it can even be used to ease fibromyalgia pain.
Does Dry Needling Have Any Side Effects?
Mild side effects are standard after dry needling procedures, and they include:
- Bruising
- Temporary soreness
- Mild bleeding
However, these side effects quickly resolve independently and don’t require additional medical attention. Severe side effects are rare, and they are mostly the result of an infection. That’s why it is vital that your chiropractor uses sterile needles and adequately disposes or sterilizes them after each use.
Who Shouldn’t Have Dry Needling Treatment?
Before suggesting any treatment, your practitioner will talk to you about your medical history, medication use, and current health state. Dry needling may not be the best option for:
- Pregnant women
- People afraid of needles
- Those recovering from a recent surgery
- Individuals taking blood thinners
What Does a Dry Needling Treatment Look Like?
During a dry needling treatment, your chiropractor will insert needles of different lengths depending on the affected body part. The duration also varies. Sometimes, they will insert a needle, stimulate a trigger point, and then remove it immediately. Other times, they may leave them in for up to 15 minutes.
The whole session lasts under 20 minutes, and people may feel different sensations, including discomfort, pain, muscle twitches, or tingling.
Where to Get a Dry Needling Treatment?
If you are looking for an experienced practitioner offering dry needling treatment, you should visit Dr. Scott Bolz of Spring Chiropractic. He gathered a team of medical experts to help him achieve his goal of assisting people in getting rid of pain through chiropractic treatments. Click here to book an appointment.
What Conditions Are Treated With ART Therapy?
Art therapy aims to break up adhesions and scar tissue and restore a full range of motion. Doing that eliminates pain, stiffness, and other symptoms that prevent your performance from advancing.
You can use ART for conditions like:
- Back pain
- Joint pain
- Sciatica
- Sports injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Stiff neck
- Car accident injuries
- Frozen shoulder
- Sprained ankles
- Hamstring strains
- Tennis elbow
- Rotator cuff tendinitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Headaches
How Long Until I See the Results?
Many people experience discomfort relief even after the first session of ART. However, the full benefits take a little more time to kick in, and you can expect at least 3-6 visits before seeing good results. That’s usually 2-4 weeks, so don’t expect any overnight miracles.
The great thing about this treatment approach is that your practitioner always follows your progress and can adjust their treatment based on what they observe during the examination phase of these appointments.
Where Can I Get ART Treatment?
Dr. Scott Bolz from the Spring Chiropractic & Rehab center is a certified ART practitioner. He focuses on protocols for upper extremities, lower extremities, and the spine. With his extensive training and experience in ART protocols, he is the best choice in the Spring-Woodland area of Texas. Feel free to book an appointment and discover how this soft-tissue treatment can help you get rid of the pain.