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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a therapeutic intervention used by therapist/practitioner (certified in dry needling) to address muscle/fascial (connective tissue) trigger points, tendons, ligaments, teno-osseous (site of tendon attachment to bone) junctions and other structures surrounding nerves to stimulate a healing response. “Dry” refers to characteristics of the needle, meaning, there’s no medication used, unlike a corticosteroid or epidural injection.  

How big are the needles and is there a risk of infection?

The average diameter of corticosteroid injection needle is ~ 0.60 to 0.70mm in diameter. Comparatively, dry needles commonly range from 0.18- 0.30mm.

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Each needle is a single-use pre-sterilized disposable needle. On average each needle pushes in 660 bacterial cells. Previous research has shown that the production rate of an infection is upwards of 7.5 million bacterial cells. This equates to a 0.00008% chance of infection.

Does it hurt?

Discomfort level can be compared to a deep tissue massage. Depending on the location of the needles, there can be some pain associated with intramuscular dry needling. Many patient’s will report not having felt the needles at all in larger muscle groups such as low back, hips and thighs. Regions that contain smaller muscle groups may be more symptomatic with insertion of needles.

Is dry needling safe? 

The use of dry needling is a safe intervention when performed by a trained clinician certified in dry needling. Each therapist will exercise special care to ensure you understand the risks and possible side effects.  

 

Although extremely rare, a pneumothorax (collapsed/punctured lung) is possible. It is good to be aware of the symptoms and if you experience these symptoms, please call your therapist or 911 for immediate medical assistance. Classic symptoms of a pneumothorax include: abrupt coughing, chest pain, or pain with breathing.

What are possible side effects?

Most commonly, patients will report muscle soreness. Muscle soreness is possible and can last up to 48 hours. Other less common side effects in a very small percentage of the population includes, drowsiness, tiredness, dizziness, minor bleeding or bruising.

Is Dry Needling something that could help me?

Yes! Whether we are treating acute pain, chronic pain, muscle soreness, trigger points, neuromuscular dysfunction, or muscular recruitment, dry needling has numerous benefits that aid in maximizing your potential. 

What are some of the areas that Dry Needling treats?

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  • Cervical (Neck) Pain

  • Migraines/Headaches

  • TMJ Dysfunction 

  • Shoulder Pain 

  • Rotator Cuff Dysfunction

  • Thoracic (Mid Back) Pain

  • Lumbar (Low Back) Pain

  • Sciatica  & Other Nerve Pain 

  • Hip Pain

  • Knee Pain

  • Ankle Pain 

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome​

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  • Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow

  • Osteoarthritis Pain 

  • Shin Splints

  • Achilles Tendonitis

  • Plantar Fasciitis 

  • Pregnancy Pain

  • Postpartum Discomfort

  • Muscle Recruitment

  • Postural Pain

  • ​Insertional Pain

  • Scar Tissue

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