Dry needling is a fantastic therapeutic treatment for patients who deal with spasms, inflammation, mobility issues, restricted flexibility, tightness, and general pain. In addition to chiropractic treatments, dry needling can help pinpoint what trigger point areas are the root source of the discomfort.
If you’re worried about your first dry needling session, or just want to be prepared for dry needling therapy, discover what dry needling is, how to prepare for your session, what to expect at your first dry needling appointment, and how dry needling can help you.
Ready to schedule? We offer dry needling in Columbia, MD. Recommended for athletes, sedentary patients, blue-collar workers, injury recovery, chronic pain, and more.
What is Dry Needling
Dry needling treatment is used to relieve muscle pain and tension by inserting thin, sterile needles into specific trigger points or tight areas of a muscle. This direct insertion approach helps to release knots, improve blood flow, and reduce pain.
Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling focuses on treating musculoskeletal issues using modern science and anatomy. The process of dry needling therapy stimulates the body’s natural healing response, reducing pain and improving mobility.
What Does Dry Needling Treat
Dry needling is used to treat general discomfort and pain, like in the neck, back, arms, shoulders, hips, legs, knees, or ankles. However, it can also be used to help alleviate symptoms found in certain disorders or after sustaining injuries.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- TMJ
- Tendinitis
- Myofascial pain
- Muscle spasms
- Headaches
- Sports injuries
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Fibromyalgia
- Plantar fasciitis
What to Expect During My Dry Needling Appointment
If you’re not familiar with the dry needling process, it can be intimidating and nerve-racking to show up for your first appointment. The good news is that dry needling is painless and can help provide fast-acting pain relief. Here are a few ways to prepare, what to expect, and how to care for your body after receiving dry needling physical therapy.
Before Your Appointment
If you do not already have a history with your chiropractor or doctor, you will cover a basic questionnaire about your health and wellness history. This may include medications, accidents, injuries, surgeries, and past treatments you’ve tried before.
When booking your appointment, make sure to notate what areas are experiencing discomfort, how the pain feels, and when the pain is triggered.
To Prepare:
- Notice when and where the pain is
- Notice what triggers the pain
- Wear loose-fitting clothing
- Avoid lotions or other skin applications that could interfere
During Your Dry Needling Therapy
During your appointment, you will review and confirm your medical history, past injuries and surgeries, and what pain you are experiencing. Your chiropractor will complete a hands-on assessment to analyze what triggers the pain, if there is a muscle twitch, overall sensitivity, and more. This will help them identify which trigger points to target for the dry needling therapy.
You will be seated or lying down during the dry needling appointment. The needles will be inserted one at a time into the relevant trigger points your chiropractor has identified. There may be some discomfort, but dry needling should be painless; most patients report feeling pressure.
Needles remain in the trigger point for a few minutes, while your chiropractor may also apply manual techniques to help loosen the tension and other tight areas. The needle may cause a small twitch in the muscle, which is a sign that the treatment is working to relax the affected area.
The length of your dry needling therapy will be based on your injury and pain, how the dry needling feels, and how symptoms react. Always inform your doctor of what you are feeling during the session.
Expect:
- To be seated or lying down
- Pressure from the dry needling application
- Needles to be inserted for a few minutes at a time
- Manual therapies to help loosen the tight muscle
- A few trigger points to be targeted
- Repeat sessions if symptoms do not alleviate
After Dry Needling Therapy
There are few symptoms following a dry needling appointment. Your chiropractor may advise a follow-up visit, physical therapy exercises to do at home to maintain mobility, or recommendations of activities to avoid so the muscles can rest and relax. If you are feeling intense soreness or any other persistent discomfort, call and consult with your doctor.
Recovery May Include:
- At-home hot and cold treatments
- Physical therapy exercises
- Follow-up visits
- Rest from intense activities
- Dietary recommendations for natural treatments (anti-inflammation, increased blood flow, etc.)
Benefits of Dry Needling
- Immediate pain relief
- Increased range of motion
- Better mobility
- More rested, relaxed, and loose
- Improved circulation
- Decreased inflammation
- Enhanced athletic performance
- Natural and medication-free pain treatment
- Energy boost
- Injury prevention
- Faster recovery
Schedule Dry Needling in Maryland
Elite Chiropractic and Sport in Columbia, MD is proud to offer dry needing therapy for athletes and all patients. We recommend dry needling for tight muscles, spasms, chronic pain, persistent mobility issues, and injury prevention.
If you’re nervous about dry needling, give our office a call to learn more. We’re happy to consult, learn about your medical history, and recommend the right modality of treatment for you, your body, and your lifestyle.
FAQs
Does dry needling hurt?
No, dry needling should not hurt. You should feel pressure when the needle is inserted, but no consistent pain.
How long is a dry needling session?
Dry needling sessions may be short, a few minutes, or upwards to 30 minutes. Your chiropractor will ensure you receive the right treatments during your appointment to alleviate your symptoms.
Should you rest after dry needling?
Some activities may be recommended to break from for the following day(s). This may be to allow your muscles to relax, although physical therapy may also be suggested. Talk to your doctor about dry needling recovery.
Is dry needling safe?
Yes, when performed by a certified dry needling therapist, dry needling is perfectly safe and effective. Always ask your doctor about their history, education, and experience if you’re nervous.
How can I prepare for my dry needling appointment?
Preparing for your dry needling appointment is easy: wear loose clothing, be mindful of what areas are tight or sore, and communicate what you’re feeling to your doctor throughout the appointment.
About the Author
Dr. Bross is the owner of Elite Chiropractic and Sport. He serves as a Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner (CCSP) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. His unique approach to individualized patient care is based on the evaluation and treatment of the “whole” person.
Dr. Bross is a leader in the promotion of health and wellness. He has accumulated an extensive knowledge of the musculoskeletal and nutritional components of the human body. He is skilled in the Graston Technique, Active Release Technique, and Sports Medicine.
