Dry Needling

Dry needling is a specialized therapy that targets tight muscles and trigger points in the body. It involves using thin, sterile needles to penetrate the skin and reach the underlying muscle tissue. The goal of dry needling is to release tension, reduce pain, and improve overall muscle function.

Dry Needling vs Acupuncture

Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is rooted in Western medicine and focuses specifically on musculoskeletal issues. This therapy is particularly effective for treating muscle pain, stiffness, and injuries.

Benefits of Dry Needling

Pain Reduction

Dry needling helps relieve pain by releasing trigger points and reducing muscle tightness. It is effective for both acute injuries and chronic pain conditions.

Improved Muscle Function

By targeting tight or knotted muscles, dry needling helps restore normal movement and flexibility. This can enhance your performance in physical activities and daily tasks.

Faster Recovery:

Dry needling speeds up the healing process by improving blood flow and reducing tension in the muscles. This makes it a great option for athletes or anyone recovering from an injury.

Reduced Inflammation:

The treatment also helps decrease inflammation in the affected areas, promoting faster recovery and reducing swelling.

How Dry Needling is Performed

At Tru Health, dry needling is performed by trained professionals who are skilled in this specialized technique. During a session, your therapist will insert thin, sterile needles into specific trigger points in your muscles. These needles are very fine and usually cause minimal discomfort. You may feel a slight twitch or ache as the muscle releases tension.

Each session is tailored to your needs, focusing on the areas where you feel the most pain or tightness. Sessions typically last between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the extent of treatment required. Your therapist will guide you through the process and ensure you feel comfortable at every step.

Dry needling is safe when performed by a trained professional, and we follow strict safety protocols to minimize any risks.

Conditions Treated by Dry Needling

Dry needling is highly effective for treating a variety of musculoskeletal issues.

This therapy can also be combined with other treatments, such as manual manipulation and physical therapy, to create a comprehensive care plan for your recovery.

It helps relieve pain in conditions like lower back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain.

Athletes recovering from muscle strains, sprains, or overuse injuries benefit from dry needling’s ability to reduce tightness and speed up recovery.

Whether due to poor posture, stress, or repetitive movements, dry needling helps release tight muscles, improving movement and flexibility.

Tension in the neck and shoulders can lead to headaches, and dry needling can help relieve this tension.

By targeting the surrounding muscles, dry needling helps ease pain and improve function in joints like the knee, hip, and shoulder.

Who is a Good Candidate for Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a great option for a wide range of individuals, including:

  • Athletes: Whether you are dealing with an injury or want to improve muscle function, dry needling can help you recover faster and perform better.
  • Chronic Pain Sufferers: Those with long-term conditions like arthritis, lower back pain, or neck pain often find relief with dry needling.
  • Injury Recovery Patients: If you’re recovering from a recent injury, dry needling can help restore mobility, reduce pain, and speed up your healing process.

While dry needling is generally safe for most people, it may not be recommended for everyone. If you have certain health conditions, such as a bleeding disorder or are pregnant, your therapist will discuss alternative treatment options. It is always best to consult your doctor before starting any new therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most people experience only mild discomfort during the treatment. You might feel a small prick when the needle is inserted and a twitch or ache as the muscle responds. Any discomfort usually fades quickly.

A typical session lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the areas being treated and the severity of your condition.

The number of sessions varies depending on your condition. Some people feel relief after one or two sessions, while others may require a series of treatments for lasting results.

Side effects are usually mild and may include slight soreness or bruising at the needle sites. These effects typically resolve within a day or two.

While both use needles, dry needling is based on modern Western medicine and focuses on treating musculoskeletal issues. Acupuncture, on the other hand, is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and aims to balance the body’s energy flow (Qi). Dry needling targets muscle tension and trigger points specifically to reduce pain and improve movement.

Come Visit Us

At TruHealth Physical Therapy, we’re here to help you on your journey to recovery. Whether you prefer to visit us in person, reach out by phone, or connect via email, our team is ready to assist you. We look forward to hearing from you!

Address

1149 N Canyon Rd, Provo, UT 84604

Email

info@truhealthutah.com

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Real Results, Real People

“Honestly some of the best people I know. I’ve never seen a PT before, but coming in to deal with some military injuries has been transformational. After some knee and IT band work, I am back training for my 50 miler, squatting over 250, and feel like myself. Affordable with insurance. Highly recommend.”

Cam Brimhall

Knee + IT Band Injury Treatment

“James is knowledgeable, encouraging, helps keep my mom motivated, and the exercises he gives her both pre and post surgery have made her back fusion recovery so much easier on her — both body and mind. I highly recommend James for any injury or surgical recovery.”

Sae Sae Norris

Back Fusion Recovery

“Went to James for a bulged disk in my lower back for about 6 weeks, he worked his magic and showed me how to strengthen the muscles around it along with stretching and I haven’t had any issues since. He is very involved and knows what I need, I don’t feel like just another patient with him. Would recommend him to anyone.”

Cole Matson

Bulged Disc Treatment

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