Dry Needling
in Beachwood, OH
Dry Needling
in Beachwood, OH
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a modern method of physical therapy that involves the insertion of a sterile, very fine filament needle through the skin and into deeper tissues (muscles, ligaments, tendons) that are trigger areas for pain within our bodies. Despite the use of the same needles, it is NOT acupuncture.
The use of dry needling is another tool that can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions that impact our muscles, joints and nerves. It reduces muscle tension and inflammation while increasing blood flow – creating an environment that enhances the body’s ability to heal, which ultimately reduces pain and allows you to move better!
At Genuine Rehab & Wellness, we have been trained in Integrative Dry Needling (IDN). This systemic (whole body) approach to dry needling is unique and aligns perfectly with our overall treatment model, focusing on addressing the source of the pain and not just the symptom of it.
Dry Needling Can Help With…
- Neck and back pain (including whiplash
and disc problems) - Joint pain
- Motion restrictions due to muscle tightness or scar tissue
- Tendonitis / repeated motion disorders (RMDs) — i.e. carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow
- Migraine and tension-type headaches
- Jaw and mouth pain (i.e. TMJ or TMD)
- Improved athletic performance
- Reduced swelling and faster recovery from injuries
How Does Dry Needling Work?
Dry Needling is based on modern scientific study of the muscular and nervous systems. Despite the use of fine filament needles, it is not acupuncture.
Based strictly on Western medicine principles and research, dry needling works by creating a micro lesion (small hole) within the desired tissues, which creates a healing response within our bodies. This response creates noticeable results almost immediately, to include the loosening of stiff muscles, easing of joint pain, decreasing of inflammation, and improving blood and oxygen circulation within the treated area. These healing effects ultimately reduce or eliminate the pain and shorten your recovery time.
Am I A Candidate for Dry Needling?
Please note that dry needling is not for everyone and every condition. We will always complete an evaluation on all patients prior to performing dry needling. If you are appropriate for the treatment (and after receiving verbal and written consent) we can complete your first treatment that same day. Following this treatment method, muscle soreness can be felt up to 24-48 hours, similar to delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) or having done a moderate amount of yard work. The application of heat and drinking plenty of fluids usually reduces the soreness.
Dry Needling Frequently Asked Questions
Most clients experience no pain during the treatment, including during the needle insertion(s). However, at times, a local twitch response of the muscle may be felt.
Many clients describe the twitch response as an ache sensation or a small muscle cramp. These sensations are only felt momentarily and are perfectly normal and even desirable responses.
When performed by a trained professional, dry needling is very safe. With our extensive knowledge of the human anatomy, we take all necessary precautions to avoid any locations that could be harmful.
While effects can vary between patients, most acknowledge feeling almost immediate relief of their pain and symptoms after just one dry needling session.
The lasting effects of dry needling can vary based on patient condition and the targeted area(s) being treated. On average, dry needling alone can typically provide one to two weeks of lasting effects. When incorporated with a stretching and/or strengthening program longer lasting effects are seen, ranging from several months to complete elimination of pain.
Dry needling sessions typically last between 15-30 minutes, depending upon the condition of the patient being treated. Sessions may take longer if more than one local needs to be treated.
The number of sessions needed is again dependent upon the condition of the patient being treated. When incorporated with a stretching and/or strengthening program that is consistently followed, or other plan of care as directed by Genuine, most patients require 4-6 sessions to see long lasting effects.