Functional Dry Needling

Dry Needling involved the insertion of a thin filament needle to stimulate the healing process of soft tissue (muscle ‘trigger points’, fascia, tendons and ligaments, etc.). The result of Dry Needling is pain relief and restoration of healthy physiology.

A ‘trigger point’ is a hyperirritable point in a muscle that is associated with a hypersensitive palpable nodule, or ‘knot’. This area becomes painful at the site and can also ‘radiate’ in predictable patterns.

A healthy muscle feels very little discomfort with insertion of the filament. However, if the muscle is sensitive and shortened or has active trigger points within it, the patient may feel a sensation similar to a muscle cramp, (AKA, the ‘twitch’ response).

The objectives and philosophy behind the use of Dry Needling by physical therapists is not based on ancient theories or tenets of traditional Chinese medicine. The performance of modern Dry Needling by physical therapists is based on Western Neuroanatomy and modern scientific study of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.

Both Dry Needling and Acupuncture do, however, use the same tool: a solid filament needle.

Almost anyone experiencing a variety of pain including, but not limited to:

• Acute/Chronic injuries
• TMJ
• Headaches
• Neck/Back pain
• Tendonitis
• Rotator Cuff injuries
• Muscle Spasms
• Sciatica
• Hip/Knee pain
• Muscle strains
• Muscle tears
• Fibromyalgia
• Piriformis Syndrome
• “Tennis/Golfer’s’ Elbow
• Overuse injuries

Side effects may vary among individuals. Typically, only mild muscle soreness or skin bruising.