Dry Needling

Functional Dry Needling (FDN) is a skilled intervention that uses a thin monofilament needle [much smaller than a typical hypodermic needle] to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points, muscular, and connective tissues for the management of neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments. FDN is a technique used to treat dysfunctions in skeletal muscle, fascia, and connective tissue, and to diminish persistent peripheral nociceptive input (pain) and reduce or resolve impairments in body structure and function, leading to improved mobility and tolerance for activity.

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Our trained physical therapists will identify “trigger points” present or other dysfunctional and painful areas in your muscles that may be contributing to your symptoms. The needle is then inserted into these locations to achieve a local twitch response which can help release muscle tension, diminish pain, increase flexibility of the tissue, and quiet muscular activity and spasm. Intramuscular electrical stimulation may also be applied to help facilitate desired muscle activity or to provide further relief from symptoms.  This is most often followed up with therapeutic exercises designed to further improve function.

Dry Needling is safe and we have taken extensive training. While it may look like acupuncture, it actually is different. Dry Needling targets muscular trigger points for the management of pain and movement restrictions.

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If you have a band of tight muscle fibers, it can restrict motion, cause tenderness and be disruptive.  When dry needling is performed, it can increase blood flow, reduce pain and decrease tightness of the muscle.  Dry needling can be used for a wide variety of issues, such as shoulder, neck, heel, hip and back pain.