When it comes to needles, you probably think pain, not pain prevention. However, physical therapists use sterilized needles in a technique called dry needling to help reduce and prevent muscle pain.
Dry needling is the practice of strategically inserting sterilized needles into trigger points in your muscles, ligaments or tendons. The needle helps release the tension in the trigger point, which reduces pain and muscle spasms.
Dry needles do not contain any fluids that are injected into your bloodstream. As with other physical therapy treatments, dry needling does not use drugs or invasive techniques. This helps minimize risks and eliminates the negative side effects associated with many medications.
What are the benefits of dry needling?
Dry needling from a physical therapist offers several benefits to the well-being of your muscles and soft tissue, including:
- No pain involved — As we mentioned earlier, you probably associate needles with pain. However, with dry needling, physical therapists are precise and careful with their handling of needles. You may experience a little twitch when the needle is being inserted, but you should not feel any pain.
- Improved range of motion — Reducing tension in the muscles and soft tissue promotes flexibility. This can help improve your range of motion, which is beneficial for people with conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia that limit your mobility.
- Improved relaxation — Soothing the pain and tension in your muscles and soft tissue is a relaxing experience. After your dry needling treatment, your body should feel more fresh and limber.
Since dry needling reduces tension and improves the condition of your muscles, it’s commonly used by athletes to stay in shape after training and competition. It’s not just for athletes though. Dry needling can be for anybody who has pain and tension in their muscles and soft tissue.
Visit Advent Physical Therapy in Grandville, MI, for dry needling
Do you suffer from frequent pain and tension in your muscles, ligaments or tendons? There are a number of physical therapy treatments that can help reduce this pain and tension. At Advent Physical Therapy in Grandville, Michigan, one of our team members can examine your condition to determine if dry needling is right for you. Contact our team today for more information about dry needling or to schedule an initial appointment.