Dry Needling
Dry needling is a physical therapy technique that uses a small, thin needle to target muscles that produce pain and contain trigger points, so the muscle can relax and move better. Our certified therapists offer dry needling physical therapy at both our Edgemere and Physicians clinics in El Paso, Texas, as one tool inside your treatment plan.
Reaching the muscle fibers hands cannot
Trigger point dry needling treats myofascial pain. A trigger point is a small group of muscle fibers that stays contracted and may cause pain. The thin needle is inserted through the skin into the muscle, and it can reach deeper layers of muscle that our hands and fingers cannot.
The goal is to release or inactivate trigger points, which relieves pain and increases range of motion. It is also called intramuscular stimulation. People who search for dry needling near me in El Paso will find it at both of our clinics.
Dry needling vs. acupuncture
They use similar-looking needles, but they come from different ideas.
Dry needling
Based on modern Western scientific principles and our knowledge of anatomy and physiology. It targets muscles and trigger points.
Acupuncture
Based on restoring the flow of energy, or chi, along meridians in the body.
Where it fits
Dry needling is part of modern Western medicine and is used as a tool within your plan of care, not on its own.
What to expect
During
Generally you do not feel the needle go in. A local twitch response may bring a brief tingling, aching or cramping sensation. This is what people mean by asking whether dry needling hurts, and for most it is short.
After
You may have soreness for 24 to 48 hours at first, and occasional bruising. With each later treatment the soreness is generally shorter.
How often
We usually start with one session a week. If you tolerate it, you may choose two sessions a week, at least two days apart.
Where dry needling can help
We use it for muscle pain in many parts of the body. Your therapist decides if it fits your problem.
- Neck and back pain
- Shoulder pain and tennis or golfer’s elbow
- Headaches
- Hip and gluteal pain, and knee pain
- Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis, in foot and ankle care
- Sciatica, muscle strains and ligament sprains
- Sports injuries, chronic pain and athletic performance
Tell your therapist before needling if
Dry needling is not right for everyone. Say so before treatment if any of these apply, and your therapist will decide what is safe.
- You have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners
- You are pregnant, or think you might be
- You are strongly afraid of needles
Common questions about dry needling
What is a trigger point?
A small, continuously contracted group of muscle fibers that may cause pain. Trigger points can form in any muscle and are common in the neck, shoulders, low back and hips. They may reduce range of motion, and the muscle can tire faster because it is already using energy to stay contracted.
Does dry needling hurt?
Generally you do not feel the needle being inserted. The local twitch response may cause a brief tingling, aching or cramping sensation.
How is it different from manual therapy?
Both ease tight muscles, and many plans use both. Manual therapy works with the hands. Needling can reach deeper muscle layers that hands cannot.
Do I need a referral, and is it covered?
Texas allows direct access to physical therapy, so in many cases you do not need a referral to begin. Call us and we will help verify your insurance requirements before your first visit. Most insurance coverage is accepted.
Related care
Dry needling in El Paso, Texas
Call our Edgemere or Physicians clinic, or request an appointment, and we will find a time to see you in El Paso, Texas.
We see patients at our Edgemere and Physicians clinics in El Paso, Texas.