Dry Needling
Integrative dry needling is a highly effective form of treatment for a multitude of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions. It is not appropriate for all conditions or pathologies and the use of the technique will be at the discretion of your doctor.
How dry needling works
Integrative dry needling is not acupuncture (traditional Chinese medicine), it is based on neuro-anatomy and modern scientific study of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. A very fine filament needle is inserted through the skin and into the deeper tissues that are considered trigger points to your pain. Dry needling works by causing a micro lesion within the pathological tissue thus breaking up shortened tissues, inhibiting a reflex arc from the nervous system to the tissue, normalizing the inflammatory response, and centrally mediating the pain. This mechanical and neuromuscular effect provides an environment that enhances the body’s ability to heal which ultimately reduces pain.
treatable conditions
How does the E-stim itself work?
What are the benefits of dry needling with E-stim?
Electrical stimulation helps treat pain by stimulating larger nerve fibers that supersede the smaller nerve fibers that are causing pain. The larger nerves travel faster to override the smaller nerves, similar to if you were to rub a sore spot — you would feel the rubbing instead of the pain. The electrical current causes a small and ongoing spasm to exhaust the muscle. Basically, the muscle gets so tired, it gives up and relaxes. The electrical current can also cause a numbing sensation to help with the pain.
How does the E-stim itself work?
Electrical stimulation helps treat pain by stimulating larger nerve fibers that supersede the smaller nerve fibers that are causing pain. The larger nerves travel faster to override the smaller nerves, similar to if you were to rub a sore spot — you would feel the rubbing instead of the pain. The electrical current causes a small and ongoing spasm to exhaust the muscle. Basically, the muscle gets so tired, it gives up and relaxes. The electrical current can also cause a numbing sensation to help with the pain.
What are the benefits of dry needling with E-stim?
Dry needling on its own can be extremely effective as a treatment. The addition of e-stim acts as an adjunct to enhance the treatment’s pain-relieving effect. E-stim helps to stimulate blood flow and provide analgesic effects to help numb the pain, often providing long-term relief. Bloodflow in the targeted area has been to shown to last longer when dry needling is combined with E-stim, as opposed to dry needling alone. The combination of the two also helps prevents increased soreness post-treatment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the needles sterile?
Yes, we only use sterile disposable needles.
How will I feel after the Dry Needling treatment?
This will vary but many patients experience immediate relief of their symptoms and an increase in range of motion. Soreness can also be a common response from the needling but does not occur with all people. Some individuals may experience an immediate achiness or a delayed soreness the next day. The soreness, if present, will usually last 1-2 days, use of heat and light massage and movement will be beneficial. Mild bruising may occur at the needling sites and is more prevalent in certain parts of the body. Larger bruising may also occur but is rare. Application of ice on the bruise will help with the soreness and the skin discoloration will last several days but is not harmful.
It is uncommon but possible that the treatment may temporarily increase your symptoms. This is not unusual but if this continues past the 1-2 day window, inform your doctor to allow adjustment of your program to enhance your comfort the next time. This does not mean that needling will not be beneficial to your condition.
How many treatments will I need?
This will depend on the category you fit in, which is determined by the state of the injury and your overall health. Remember, we are attempting to cause mechanical and biochemical changes without any pharmacological means. Therefore, we are looking for a cumulative response to break the pain cycle. Your doctor will be able to give you more insight after your evaluation.
What should I do to prepare for the treatment?
Is the procedure painful?
The fine filament needle is very thin, solid, and flexible, which allows for the needle to be pushed through the skin versus cutting the skin. This helps reduce any discomfort that may occur with the procedure. We strive to make the treatment virtually painless however at times a local twitch response of the muscle may be felt. When the needle is inserted into the pathological tissue the local twitch response sensation is normal and is felt only momentarily. Many patients describe this twitch response as a little electric shock, cramp or an ache sensation. These sensations are perfectly normal and even a desirable response. Your doctor will make every effort to make your experience comfortable and therapeutic.
Will I continue to do exercises or receive other treatments?
Yes, your personalized treatment plan will still integrate traditional chiropractic methods including adjustments, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, stabilization and posture training.
What should/can I do after treatment, what should I avoid?
Our recommendations vary depending on the amount of soreness you have and on the individual response to the treatment. Recommendations may include increasing your water intake, applying heat or ice over the area, gentle stretches and modifications of activities.
Is Dry Needling treatment covered by my insurance?
This is an additional treatment and, just like acupuncture, your coverage of Dry Needling should correspond with your chiropractic benefits. You can discuss this further with our administrative staff if you require more information.
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