As part of a comprehensive physical therapy program, dry needling offers stimulation for muscular and connective tissue that can bring blood flow and relieves pain. This passive intervention is used at Alinea Performance by highly trained physical therapists, along with other evidence-based treatments, in order to achieve a successful outcome for each patient. While dry needling is often confused with acupuncture, the practice is very different and fits the model of scientifically-based physical therapy that Alinea Performance offers.
Dry needling is a physical therapy technique that is used alongside other treatments, like exercise and manual therapy, to improve function in the body and reduce pain. The treatment is most effective when used in conjunction with active interventions.
Physical therapy is a type of care that is used to ease pain and improve functioning and movement in a patient. These outcomes can be achieved through a range of techniques, including manual therapy, exercise routines, and additional treatments such as dry needling. Physical therapy is usually recommended when someone sustains an injury or illness that makes it difficult to move and perform daily tasks.
The primary benefit of dry needling is the relief of pain and stiffness in the muscles. In cases where these muscles are impacting movement or causing pain that prevents movement, dry needling can be used during physical therapy. The relief brought about through dry needling may allow a patient to better perform exercises or practice movement as recommended by their therapist.
Dry needling is very often confused for acupuncture, as both use very thin needles inserted throughout the body and therefore evoke the same image. However, the intent of both practices, as well as the origins, differ greatly.
Acupuncture is an ancient Asian practice that is still used today. The underlying belief in acupuncture is that illness results from a blocked or interrupted Chi. The Chi provides your body with healing energy, and acupuncture removes these blockages to restore your energy flow to the balanced state necessary for health. Each needle is placed along the meridian line of the body meticulously in order to achieve this.
In contrast, dry needling is based on scientific principles. Each needle is placed within a specific tissue such as a knot or trigger point in order to stimulate the muscles and release tension. Dry needling is used specifically to treat pain and other musculoskeletal problems rather than overall health.
For problems related to pain and stiffness in the muscles, dry needling is often recommended as a part of treatment. Your physical therapist will determine if you are a candidate that could benefit from this service.
Back pain can be caused by a range of issues and is often the result of multiple factors that have compounded over time. This is why physical therapy uses a range of techniques to ensure the root cause of problems is addressed. Dry needling can be a useful adjunct to treatment to address muscle weakness, regulate pain, and relax muscles under tension.
If a physical therapist identifies an area on the back that is very tight or contracted, dry needling can be used on that trigger point. The needle can stimulate the muscle and increase blood flow, which can ease the contraction. This could lead to immediate relief from pain or the ability to heal properly with further physical therapy.
Dry needling can also be used to increase muscle recruitment in a weak muscle, such as the thigh muscle after having an ACL repair. In a similar way, inserting the needle can activate the muscle and be an effective way to transition into strengthening.
Not every person undergoing physical therapy will benefit from dry needling. However, a large number of conditions can be effectively treated with the practice. These include:
Headaches
Muscle spasms
Tendonitis/tendinopathy
Fibromyalgia
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)
Sciatica
TMJ
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Tennis or Golf Elbow
Frozen Shoulder
Acute and chronic injuries
Athletic and overuse injuries
Edema (swelling)
Poor circulation
Dry needling is specifically used to address pain and stiffness related to the muscles, joints, the spine, and nervous system. However, there are some reasons people seek physical therapy and benefit from the practice without benefitting from dry needling. Certain precautions include having impaired sensation, a fear of needles, history of fainting, and/or being pregnant.
There are several courses and organizations that certify Licensed Physical Therapists to perform Dry Needling. Some techniques are different than others, so it may be beneficial to talk to your provider about the specific training they had.
Most reputable providers of dry needling are also physical therapists who use the treatment as a part of their practice. You can check out our providers who have been adequately trained in Dry Needling.
Dry Needling is not covered by most insurance companies as of now.
There is often a cost associated with dry needling due to the increased costs for the equipment and materials. Your therapist will discuss this directly with you as it pertains to you as each person is different in what they would need. Dry needling is part of a treatment plan and used in conjunction with other services.
For most people, dry needling is a part of an overall physical therapy practice and not a standalone treatment. The benefits of reduced pain, improved function, and increased mobility are usually worth even the out-of-pocket cost for dry needling sessions. Because it can increase the effectiveness of physical therapy, adding sessions may also increase the value derived from overall treatment plans as well.
The primary benefits of dry needling are the relief it provides for muscle pain and stiffness. Along with this, the easing of trigger points can improve flexibility and increase range of motion. This means it is helpful for treating a range of injuries and aiding in physical therapy.
Dry needling is not a "cure all" for pain or dysfunction. It can be a useful adjunct to treatment if symptoms are persisting, however should never be a stand-alone treatment. If someone visits Alinea Performance with severe shoulder pain, a therapist may recommend a series of exercises and manual therapy as a part of their treatment. If the pain is severe enough that they are unable to perform certain exercises that are necessary to improve functioning, dry needling can be a useful addition to decrease pain enough that the patient is able to complete the rest of their care plan.
With physical therapy, there is usually not a single technique that is essential. Instead, the correct combination of methods and variety over the course of treatment is what makes it effective. This is where our clinicians specialize.
During a course of physical therapy treatment, the number of sessions may vary. In most cases, 2 to 3 sessions overall are needed, spread out over a week or two. Rarely will more than 6 sessions be given. Acute pain may only need one session. Dry needling is not an ongoing treatment but is used to address a given problem and facilitate further treatments in other areas.
Dry needling is used to treat musculoskeletal problems or any instances of muscle tightness that limits the range of motion. Common reasons to use dry needling may include:
Excessive scar tissue
Neck pain
Joint problems, including arthritis
Disc problems
Whiplash
Spinal problems
Pelvic pain
Phantom pain after an amputation
Many people hesitate at the idea of multiple needles being stuck into their bodies and left there for a short duration. However, for most people, this is not painful because of the thin needles used.
While there is some pain associated with dry needling, it is not because of the needles themselves. The filament needles used in the treatment are extremely thin, and it is rare to feel more than a mild sting. However, some people do feel pain from the "twitch response", or quick contraction of the muscle as it relaxes. After treatment, there may be mild bruising or but no pain.
Other misconceptions usually come from conflating dry needling with acupuncture and therefore assuming it is based on the Chi or other more spiritual concepts rather than recent scientific research.
Generally, you should be okay to get dry needling even if you are feeling under the weather. But keep in mind that side effects can include temporary nausea, tiredness, or a "loopy" feeling which may exacerbate any symptoms of other illnesses. If you are unsure whether it is wise to get dry needling done, call your physical therapist before your appointment and tell them how you are feeling.
One of the primary goals of dry needling is to reduce pain stemming from tight muscles. But by releasing the knots that these muscles have formed, patients are usually also able to increase their range of motion. Range of motion is the ability of a joint to move through its complete spectrum of possible movements. For example, if you are suffering from elbow pain, it may be difficult to extend your forearm all the way or to bend it. Dry needling, along with other physical therapy practices, can allow you to move your arm more freely.
Everyone's insurance plan is slightly different, and some may cover dry needling while others won't. If you are unsure about your plan, it is best to contact your insurance company or ask the staff at PT Solutions to walk you through your coverage.
Each insurance provider has the right to determine if they will cover dry needling or not. Some private companies will not cover it under any circumstances, while others may cover it sometimes.
Federal healthcare plans like Medicare do not cover dry needling, and Medicaid may vary by state.
This is a direct question for your therapist. Often dry needling is used to allow you to calm down symptoms so you can start moving better right away, but you should always speak with your physical therapist about exercising after dry needling.
Dry needling should be done as part of a treatment session, and not as a stand alone treatment. The length of time the needles are in place can vary, but at most 15 minutes is beneficial.
