What is Dry Needling

Dry needling is a clinical treatment that uses a small diameter, single-use, disposable, sterile, solid filament needle is placed into a painful soft tissue (muscles, tendons, capsules, ligaments, trigger points, etc.) The placement of the needle is based on the patient's unique evaluation findings to directly address each patient's pain and dysfunction. The small needle used in dry needling treatment varies depending on the area of the body where the needle is place, safety is always the main focus of treatment. 

Muscular trigger points are areas of hyperactive muscle or soft tissue that generate inflammatory chemicals that irrtiate surrounding tissue creating pain or tightness in the area. Nerve endings can be irritated and decrease the range of motion of near by joints and limit normal range of motion. 

Benefits of Dry Needling 

Dry needling in trigger points and other irriated soft tissues has been shown to decrease nerve irritiation and reduce the irritating chemicals from that active trigger point. This can reduce pain, improve range of motion, and improve function of the treated area. 

Dry needling treatment when applied to irritated soft tissue has been found to; 

  • Decrease pain
  • Improve blood flow
  • Release muscle tension and increase range of motion 
  • Improve muscle strength and function 

Dry Needling Providers at Performance Health