The Benefits of Dry Needling & Chiropractic

If you’ve been struggling with muscle pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility, you might find relief through a technique called dry needling. Chiropractors frequently utilize this effective therapy to complement adjustments and physical therapy programs, providing patients with comprehensive pain relief and enhanced recovery.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into trigger points—tight knots within the muscles.  Dry needling helps to relieve pain, improve blood flow, and restore function to muscles and joints. Dry needling is effective in alleviating both acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Why is it Called “Dry” Needling?

The term “dry” simply means that there is no medication being injected into your body.

What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session:

During a session, the chiropractor will insert thin needles into specific trigger points. You may feel a slight twitch or cramp in the muscle.  This is completely normal and indicates a release of tension.  Most patients will not experience pain as the needles are inserted.  Some soreness may occur post-treatment, but it typically resolves within a day or two. The chiropractor may use electrical stimulation (e-stim) to enhance the treatment and help the trigger points to release.  This is not painful and is completely safe.

What is the Difference Between Dry Needling and Acupuncture?

Dry needling and acupuncture both involve inserting thin needles into the skin, but they differ significantly in technique, purpose, philosophy, and application.  Acupuncture originates from Traditional Chines Medicine (TCM) and focuses on balancing energy flow (Qi) through energy channels called meridians to restore health and well-being.  Dry Needling is a modern, Western medical practice based on anatomy and physiology that aims to relieve muscle tension, pain and dysfunction.

Benefits of Dry Needling by Chiropractors:

1. Rapid Pain Relief:
   Dry needling targets trigger points precisely, immediately relaxing muscle spasms and significantly reducing pain associated with both acute and chronic muscle tightness, pain and joint dysfunction.
2. Improved Mobility and Flexibility:
   By releasing muscle tension, dry needling helps restore range of motion, allowing you to move freely and comfortably. Chiropractors use this technique to enhance the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments, promoting overall musculoskeletal health.
3. Accelerated Healing Process:
   Dry needling stimulates local blood flow and triggers the body’s natural healing response, which aids in recovery from injuries or chronic conditions.
4. Drug Free Treatment:
   Unlike medications that mask symptoms, dry needling addresses the underlying cause of pain.   Dry needling can decrease reliance on medications, making it an excellent choice for patients seeking drug-free pain management.
5. Enhanced Chiropractic Care:
   Integrating dry needling with chiropractic adjustments provides a comprehensive approach to musculoskeletal wellness. Chiropractors can address muscular and structural issues simultaneously, delivering more effective outcomes for patients.

Who Can Benefit from Dry Needling?

Anyone who is experiencing muscle pain, tension or reduced mobility from an acute injury or chronic condition can benefit from dry needling from the chiropractors at Camelback Medical Centers.  This might include athletes recovering from sports-related injuries and those seeking a holistic approach to pain management without the use of medication.

What Conditions Can Be Treated with Dry Needling?

• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Low Back Pain
• Shoulder impingement
• Sciatica
• TMJ – Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
• Plantar fasciitis
• Headaches and migraines
• Tendonitis and overuse injuries (Golfer’s Elbow/Tennis Elbow)
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Frozen shoulder
• Headaches and migraines
• Hip Pain
• Gluteal pain
• Knee Pain
• Most types of muscle pain
• Mobility Issues

Conclusion:

At Camelback Medical Centers dry needling is used by our chiropractors offering a powerful complement to traditional chiropractic care in combination with physio therapy, which addresses both muscular and skeletal health issues effectively. If you’re interested in reducing pain, improving function, and accelerating recovery naturally, consider speaking with our chiropractors about incorporating dry needling into your treatment plan.