We get a lot of questions here at Fitzgerald about Dry Needling. What is it and how does it work? How is it any different from acupuncture? 

While the name of the procedure may sound intimidating, dry needling is safe, minimally discomforting and often an effective technique for patients with certain musculoskeletal presentations. It treats muscle tissue with the goal to reduce pain, inactivate trigger points and restore function. 

Dry needling is a treatment performed by skilled, trained physical therapists, certified in the procedure. A thin monofilament needle penetrates the skin and treats the underlying muscular trigger points for the management of neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments.

When dry needling is applied to a dysfunctional muscle or trigger point, it can decrease banding or tightness, increase blood flow, and reduce local and referred pain.

It’s important to note dry needling is NOT the same as acupuncture. It uses similar tools, but that’s where the similarities end. Dry needling is performed by different practitioners with different training. Acupuncture is based on Eastern medicine, while dry needling is rooted in Western medicine and evaluation of pain patterns, posture, movement impairments, function and orthopedic tests. Often these two modalities compliment each other on a path to encourage the body to heal itself. 

Dry Needling is rarely a standalone procedure. Rather, it often is part of a broader physical therapy approach incorporating other traditional physical therapy interventions into treatment.

Dry needling should be a considered manual treatment option for anyone suffering from:

• Neuromusculoskeletal or myofascial pain 
• Movement impairments 
• Muscular strains (neck, low back, shoulder, etc)
• Any type of tendinitis
• Headaches or migraines, jaw pain (TMJ), sciatica
• Plantar fasciitis

Our PT’s at Fitzgerald are specially trained in Dry Needling Treatment. Visit our website here to learn more and watch a video. Or easily book your appointment online now!

*Due to additional skills and training needed by our PT’s to complete this service, Dry Needling is a cash-based service.