Specialist in Katy, TX, Explains: What Is Dry Needling in Physical Therapy
Modern physical therapists use many techniques to help patients relieve pain and improve mobility. Spero Rehab, a cutting-edge rehabilitation clinic providing advanced physical therapy in Katy, TX, answers “What is dry needling in physical therapy?” Spero Rehab’s Doctors of Physical Therapy are certified in dry-needling and provide the service to qualifying patients in Katy, TX, and the surrounding areas.
Understanding Dry Needling
Dry needling is a physical therapy technique used to treat movement impairments and pain by inserting thin needles into a muscle without injecting any medications. The needle manipulates a trigger point, or muscle knot, to release a muscular spasm that the patient is experiencing.
Dry needling is “dry” because it contains no medication. The patient still experiences a response without medication because the thin needle stimulates twitch responses within the trigger point, ultimately releasing the painful spasm. The entire process can interact with nerve fibers to interrupt pain signals, ultimately depolarizing the muscle tissue from its previously tight state.
During dry needling, the physical therapist uses their training to locate a specific trigger point. Next, the therapist inserts the dry needle into the muscle and manipulates it to trigger twitch responses. The needle may stay inside for around 30 seconds to three minutes.
After removing the needle, the patient may feel some initial soreness, which typically subsides quickly. In the longer term, the patient can enjoy an improved range of motion and reduced pain in the targeted area.
Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture
What is dry needling in physical therapy, and how does it differ from acupuncture?
Dry needling uses a thin filiform needle that penetrates the skin and is inserted into muscular and connective tissues to stimulate trigger points. On the other hand, acupuncture uses thin needles that are only inserted into the skin as a form of alternative medicine. The American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists recognizes dry needling as an approved technique.
Dry Needling Benefits in Physical Therapy
Dry needling can offer the following benefits:
- Increased blood flow
- Pain reduction
- Improved mobility
- Reduced muscle tightness
- Immediate and long-term relief, including managing stress for chronic pain relief
Spero Rehab provides advanced rehabilitation and physical therapy services in Katy, TX that unite holistic approaches with research-backed treatments for well-rounded care. The team of board-certified physical therapists offers personalized treatment plans for each patient that can include everything from dry needling and aquatic therapy to virtual reality treatments. For answers to questions like, “What is dry needling in physical therapy?” contact Spero Rehab to request an appointment.
