DRY NEEDLING IN JACKSONVILLE FL

This treatment essentially produces an environment that increases your body’s ability to heal. When combined with traditional physical therapy and advanced manual therapy practices, it’s quite a beneficial technique in treating most pain-related problems.

Dry needling–which is also referred to as myofascial trigger point dry needling–is performed by skilled, trained physical therapists who are certified in the treatment. It’s conducted through the use of solid filiform needles that are often referred to as acupuncture needles, even though dry needling is not acupuncture. The thin needle penetrates your skin and treats underlying muscular trigger points for the management of neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments.

For most patients, there is little to no discomfort when the needle is inserted. However, there are times when patients experience what is known as a “twitch response.” This feels like a quick muscle cramp or ache, which is normal. Following the treatment, you may experience muscle soreness for up to 24 or 48 hours. Apply heat or ice as needed and drink lots of fluids to reduce the soreness.

Dry needling targets trigger points on your body to relieve pain. A myofascial trigger point is basically a point where there are multiple contraction of taut bands or knots, which are linked to the production and maintenance of the pain cycle. The trigger point can refer pain to a specific area related to that muscle. It can disrupt and restrict the range of motion–causing pain or local tenderness. When dry needling is applied to a dysfunctional muscle or trigger point, it can reduce tightness or banding, increase blood flow, and minimize local or referred pain.

Dry needling is attributed to Dr. Janet G. Travell, who first wrote about it in her book Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: Trigger Point Manual. The treatment is described by the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists as “a neurophysiological evidence-based treatment technique that requires effective manual assessment of the neuromuscular system.”

In 1979, Czech Dr. Karel Lewit was one of the first physicians to employ dry needling as a method to treat trigger points.

The treatment is also quite effective in helping athletes overcome delayed onset of muscle soreness. Swift recovery from injury is essential for athletes who are eager to get back to their training and the sport of their choice as soon as possible. Dry needling treatment helps enhance recovery, aids in injury prevention, and augments performance. It’s extremely beneficial for athletes who are striving to perform better and faster to meet their personal and team goals.