Dry Needling
If you have joint pain, pelvic pain, tendonitis, or other conditions, your physical therapist in Knoxville, TN, may be able to alleviate your discomfort with a technique called dry needling. This safe, minimally invasive technique uses thin, sterile needles to stimulate the muscles near the trigger points to alleviate pain and improve range of motion. If you’re a suitable candidate for dry needling, the team at Tennessee Sports Medicine Group can assist you.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a process that uses thin, sterile needles to stimulate trigger points to reduce pain and improve range of motion. This may sound similar to acupuncture, but dry needling is different. Acupuncture needles are inserted into points on the body along the meridian lines, while dry needling is used to stimulate trigger points. Dry needling is very safe and is often performed in a physical therapy office under the supervision of a qualified physical therapist.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
Dry needling works by helping to restore normal muscle functionality. During a dry needling session, the patient may experience muscle relaxation that improves blood flow and reduces pain. Often, dry needling is combined with exercise or other types of physical therapy to help improve overall functionality, leading to longer-lasting results.
Conditions Dry Needling Can Help
Dry needling can address many conditions, including:
- Back pain
- Hip pain
- Knee pain
- Sports injuries
- Muscle tightness
- Repetitive motion disorders
Dry Needling at Tennessee Sports Medicine Group
Patients come to Tennessee Sports Medicine Group for dry needling because our qualified professionals have experience helping patients with dry needling to address issues relating to pain and muscle stiffness. We treat patients with respect and professionalism to help them improve their quality of life.
What to Expect
Your dry needling session will begin with an evaluation. Patients who are pregnant, who have just undergone surgery, or who are on blood thinners may not be good candidates for this type of treatment. If dry needling is suitable for you, dry needling sessions can take 10 to 20 minutes. We’ll discuss what to expect and give you instructions about what to do after the procedure is over.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dry Needling?
You may be a good candidate for dry needling if you have muscle-related pain and muscle tightness. Dry needling pairs well with exercise-based rehabilitation and can help speed recovery in some cases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Needling
Is dry needling safe?
Dry needling is safe. During your dry needling session, your physical therapist will use sterile, single-use needles. This evidence-based technique is not a good technique for all patients. To ensure that you’re a good candidate, your licensed physical therapist will screen you in advance to ensure that you’re a good candidate for this technique.
Is dry needling painful?
The needles used in dry needling are thin. Some patients feel a prick when the needle is inserted; others do not. Some people feel some pain when the needle is in the trigger point, but overall, patients should experience less pain and improved range of motion as a result of successful dry needling.
What’s the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?
Acupuncture is based on Eastern medicine, while dry needling is based on Western medicine. These two techniques address different conditions and different parts of the body.
What should I do after a session?
After the session ends, the physical therapist will ask you to stand up slowly to ensure that you’re able to comfortably stand and move. You may experience temporary discomfort after dry needling, including some bruising. This should go away after a week. Stay hydrated and follow your physical therapist’s advice to stay moving.
Need Dry Needling in Knoxville, TN? Call Us Today
Do you want to reduce your pain and speed your recovery? Ask your physical therapist about dry needling in Knoxville, TN. Call today.
