For most individuals seeking chiropractic care, everyday pain and loss of function are usually the reason. There are several different chiropractic services available that can help treat this pain and get you back to feeling like your normal self. Dry Needling is one service that can potentially help cease your tight muscles and joints. Here’s everything you need to know about Dry Needling.
How Does It Help?
Dry Needling is commonly used for pain relief in tight muscles and joints. Having tight muscles not only causes pain directly in the muscles themselves, but can also cause referred pain. Referred pain is caused by tight muscles but is oftentimes felt in different areas of the body. For example, if you suffer from migraines or headaches, it may be caused by tight muscles in your shoulders.
When Do I Need Dry Needling?
Most of the time, a regular chiropractic adjustment can help loosen your muscles, and give relief for pain. However, there are times when an adjustment or massage is not enough to loosen the muscles, that is when your chiropractor may suggest dry needling therapy. Sometimes a massage or adjustment will relax your muscles for short periods of time, only to tighten up again later. This is another example of when dry needling therapy will be recommended.
How Does It Work?
A small monofilament needle penetrates the skin for a short amount of time in order to treat underlying muscle trigger points. When this needle successfully penetrates the muscular trigger point, it decreases tightness in the muscle, causing an increase in blood flow, and reduction of pain. While the procedure might sound frightening, it has shown proven results for individuals suffering from musculoskeletal pain.
The procedure is fairly short, around 5-10 minutes, and many patients begin to feel some results before leaving their appointment. However, some results may not be felt until up to 24 hours after. It is recommended that treatment occurs every week for up to 3 weeks before you start to feel significant relief.
Dr. Eric Hayes with Limestone Chiropractic is certified in Dry Needling Therapy and has helped many patients achieve their goals of a pain free life. Learn more here.