A filament needle is inserted through the muscle to break up trigger points and
relieve tension. The needle causes microtrauma thereby bringing oxygen and
blood flow to the pathological tissue. This mechanical and neuromuscular effect
provides an environment that enhances the body’s ability to heal and ultimately
helps reduce pain.

It is referred to as dry needling because there is no medication being delivered
with the needle.

No. Acupuncture and Dry Needling use the same needles, however dry needling
treats musculoskeletal injuries while acupuncture balances the body’s qi (chee)
which helps with sleeping issues, stress management, energy levels, digestion,
etc. Another difference is dry needling is performed on one body part whereas
acupuncture places needles throughout the whole body.

Insertional discomfort is normal but once the needle is placed you generally feel nothing. Sometimes a local twitch response is elicited which feels like a brief muscle spasm then release. Some needles can cause minor referred pain to another location. Any needle placement that remains uncomfortable will be removed.

Common side effects are muscular soreness for 1-2 days following treatment.
Minor bruising or bleeding is also common.

No. Dry needling is contraindicated for post-surgical lymphedema, recent cancer, local infection, immunosuppressed, seizures, nickel allergy, bleeding disorders or first trimester of pregnancy.

If you don’t have any of the contraindications & you are feeling “tight” or restricted anywhere, you will likely benefit from dry needling. If you have a fearof needles, dry needling is not for you.

Every session should provide some relief after the initial soreness is resolved. Some people need only 1 session and others with more chronic conditions may need 6-8 sessions.

Once a week is generally advised.

Each individual is different in their healing process. A plan will be devised after the initial evaluation. General time lines for therapy recovering from surgery is as
follows: meniscectomy 6-8 weeks rehab, rotator cuff repair 3-4 months rehab, total knee replacement 3-4 months rehab, total hip replacement 6-8 weeks rehab.