When it comes to innovative approaches to physical therapy, dry needling is gaining recognition rapidly. But what exactly is it, and what can you expect from this treatment method? At TriMotus, located in Scottsdale, our resident expert, Dr. Cameron Khavari, D.C., M.U.A.C, will guide you through this fascinating process.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique that alleviates muscular pain and dysfunction. Unlike acupuncture, which originates from traditional Chinese medicine and targets meridian points, dry needling focuses on releasing trigger points within muscle tissue.
The term “dry” indicates that no medication or substance is injected through the needle, distinguishing it from other needling techniques like trigger point injections. This approach aims to address musculoskeletal issues such as chronic pain, tension headaches, and sports injuries by promoting muscle relaxation and facilitating the body’s natural healing processes.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
TriMotus uses a sterile, thin filiform needle to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points and muscular and connective tissues. The needle helps release knots and relieve any muscle pain or spasms. Treatments are typically administered in sessions and are often part of a broader physical therapy approach.
While dry needling might sound similar to acupuncture, it is strictly based on Western medicine principles and research and should not be confused. We have a detailed Patient Education page if you’re curious to learn more about how it compares.
What to Expect from a Dry Needling Session
During a session, TriMotus will assess your muscle function and identify any spots that may be causing you pain or discomfort. You can expect a conversation about your pain points, physical difficulties, medical history, and overall health before we kick-start the procedure. After this, the thin needles are inserted into the affected muscle and trigger points, causing a localized twitch response that helps relax the muscle, improve blood flow, and reduce pain. After the treatment, you may feel sore or experience a dull ache for a few hours.
Conditions Treated by Dry Needling
Dry needling can be beneficial for a variety of musculoskeletal issues, including:
- Neck, back, and shoulder pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
- Headaches, including migraines and tension-type
- Sciatica
- Rotator cuff issues
Most candidates for dry needling may have tried other conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or massage therapy without significant improvement. These individuals are seeking a targeted approach to address specific areas of tension or dysfunction within their muscles, aiming for pain relief and improved function.
Why Choose TriMotus for Dry Needling?
Here at TriMotus, we have a team of highly skilled, experienced professionals, and Dr. Cameron Khavari is a trusted industry expert in dry needling and other therapeutic means. We’re committed to ensuring your treatment journey is a smooth and comfortable one, with patient education, care, and recovery at the heart of our service. When it comes to physical therapy, TriMotus is the name you can trust in the Scottsdale area.
We hope this gives you a clearer understanding of what to expect from dry needling. Schedule a consultation, and trust us to redefine your path to recovery!