Dry Needling Pain Therapy

We are pleased to offer dry needling sessions here at our Silver Spring office. Dry needling is an effective treatment for chronic pain (of neuropathic origin) with very few side effects.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry Needling involves the insertion of a thin filament needle to stimulate the healing process of soft tissues (muscle “trigger points”, fascia, tendons and ligaments, etc.). The result of dry needling is pain relief and restoration of healthy physiology.

What is a “trigger point”?

A “trigger point” is a hyperirritable point in a muscle that is associated with a hypersensitive palpable nodule, or “knot.” This area becomes painful at the site and can also “radiate” in predictable patterns.

Is it painful?

A healthy muscle feels very little discomfort with insertion of this needle. However if the muscle is sensitive and shortened or has active trigger points within it, the subject will feel a sensation like a muscle cramp (the “twitch” response).

How does dry needling relax muscle?

Please look at the picture below. When a needle is inserted into a trigger point, the sensory nerve fiber messages are calmed. This calming effect feeds back to the spinal cord and communicates with the motor nerve fibers. The motor nerve fibers are responsible for maintaining a certain amount of tension within a muscle fiber. As a result, the number of discharges from the motor nerve is reduced and thus muscle relaxation occurs.

What is the difference between Dry Needling and Acupuncture?

The objectives and philosophy behind the use of dry needling by physical therapists is not based on ancient theories or tenets of traditional Chinese medicine. The performance of modern dry needling by physical therapists is based on Western Neuroanatomy and modern scientific study of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Both Dry Needling and Acupuncture do, however, use the same tool; a solid needle filament.

Who can benefit from Dry Needling?

Almost anyone experiencing a variety of pain problems including, but not limited to:

• Acute/Chronic injuries
• Headaches
• Neck/Back pain
• Tendinitis
• Muscle Spasms
• “Sciatica”
• Hip/Knee pain
• Muscle strains
• Fibromyalgia
• “Tennis/Golfer’s Elbow”
• PFPS
• Overuse injuries ​

Are there any side effects to Dry Needling?

Side effects may vary among individuals. Typically, only mild muscle soreness or skin bruising.