Dry Needling Therapy

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a type of therapy that involves inserting thin needles into the skin to stimulate trigger points in the muscle. Unlike traditional acupuncture, dry needling is based on Western medicine principles and is primarily used to treat musculoskeletal conditions.

Difference Between Dry Needling and Traditional Acupuncture

While both dry needling and traditional acupuncture use thin needles, they are two different treatment modalities with different goals. Traditional acupuncture is based on the principles of Eastern medicine, which involves balancing the flow of energy or "Qi" in the body to promote healing. Dry needling, on the other hand, is based on Western medicine principles and targets trigger points in the muscles to alleviate pain and improve function.

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Conditions Treated by Dry Needling

Dry needling can be used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:

1. Neck pain - dry needling can help alleviate tension and pain in the neck muscles.
2. Back pain - dry needling can be effective for treating both acute and chronic back pain.
3. Shoulder pain - dry needling can be used to treat shoulder impingement syndrome, rotator cuff injuries, and other shoulder conditions.
4. Knee pain - dry needling can help alleviate pain and improve function in patients with knee osteoarthritis or patellofemoral pain syndrome.

What Does Dry Needling Feel Like?

Most patients report feeling a mild discomfort or a sensation of pressure during the treatment. However, the discomfort is usually short-lived and can be managed with proper communication between the patient and the therapist. After the treatment, some patients may experience a mild soreness or stiffness in the treated area, which usually resolves within a day or two.

At Willoughby Health we offer dry needling as part of our comprehensive treatment approach to musculoskeletal conditions. If you are interested in dry needling or have any questions about this treatment modality, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and improve your quality of life.

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