What is Dry Needling?

Dry Needling Lower Leg and Foot for Low Back Pain, Sciatica, Shin Splints, Foot Pain, Calf Pain , etc.

Dry Needling Fact Sheet

Integrative Dry Needling is a highly effective form of Physical Therapy for the treatment of a multitude of musculoskeletal & neuromuscular conditions.  By triggering a self-healing response and addressing root causes of pain, profound and long lasting effects can be acheived.

How does it work?

Integrative dry needling is not acupuncture (traditional Chinese medicine), it is based on neuro-anatomy and modern scientific study of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems.  A very fine filament needle is inserted through the skin and into the deeper tissues that are considered trigger points to your pain.  Dry needling works by causing a microlesion within the pathological tissue thus breaking up shortened tissues, inhibiting a reflex arc from the nervous system to the tissue, normalizing the inflammatory response, and centrally mediating the pain.  This mechanical and neuromuscular effect provides an environment that enhances the body’s ability to heal, which ultimately results in reduced pain.

What conditions can be treated?

Conditions include, but are not limited to neck, back pain, shoulder pain, arm pain (tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, golfer’s elbow), headache to include migraines and tension-type headaches, jaw pain, buttock pain, and leg pain (sciatica, hamstring strains, calf tightness/spasms).

Are the needles sterile?

Yes, we only use sterile disposable needles.

Is the procedure painful?

The fine filament needle is very thin, solid, and flexible, which allows for the needle to be pushed through the skin versus cutting the skin.  This helps reduce any discomfort that may occur with the procedure.  We strive to make the treatment virtually painless, however at times a local twitch response may be felt.  When the needle is inserted into the pathological tissue, the local twitch response sensation is normal and is only felt momentarily. Many patients describe this twitch response as a little electric shock, cramp, or an ache sensation.  These sensations are perfectly normal and even a desirable response.  Your PT will make every effort to make your experience comfortable and therapeutic.

How will I feel after the Dry Needling treatment?

This will vary, but many patients experience immediate relief of their symptoms and an increase in range of motion.  Soreness can also be a common response from the needling, but does not occur with all people.  Some individuals may experience an immediate achiness or a delayed soreness the next day.  The soreness, if present, will usually last 1-2 days, use of heat, light massage, and movement will be beneficial.  Mild bruising may occur at the needling sites and is more prevalent in certain parts of the body.  Larger bruising may also occur, but is rare.  Application of ice on the bruise will help with the soreness the skin discoloration will last several days, but is not harmful.

It is uncommon, but possible that the treatment may temporarily increase your symptoms.  This is not unusual, but if this continues past the 1-2 day window, inform your PT to allow adjustment of your program to enhance your comfort the next time.  This does not mean that needling will not be beneficial to your condition.

How many treatments will I need?

This will depend on the category you fit in, which is determined by the state of the injury and your overall health.  Remember we are attempting to cause mechanical and biochemical changes without any pharmacological means.  Therefore, we are looking for a cumulative response to break the pain cycle.  Your PT will be able to give you more insight after your evaluation.

What should I do to prepare for the treatment?

-        Do not eat 30 minutes before the treatment.

-        Be well hydrated, but empty your bladder prior to treatment.

-        Wear lose fitting clothing, shorts, or bathing suit for easy access to your painful areas.

What should/can I do after treatment, what should I avoid?

Our recommendations vary depending on the amount of soreness you have and on the individual response to the treatment.  Recommendations may include increasing your water intake, applying heat or ice over the area, gentle stretches and modification of activities.

Not all medical or physical therapy professionals are trained to perform the Integrative Dry Needling treatment technique.  Katelyn Pertile, PT, DPT of Pertile Physical Therapy and Wellness has advanced training and has been certified through the Integrative/Neurologic Dry Needling Institute. 

Call Pertile Physical Therapy and Wellness

Today to Schedule Your Appointment: 

(307) 871-1693

Click The Link Below to Read An Article from Dr. Axe About How 

Dry Needling Relieves Muscle Pain & More

Dry Needling Photo Credit:  https://draxe.com/dry-needling/

Guide to Dry Needling Photo Credit: https://draxe.com/dry-needling/ 

Additional Resources:
The 24 Points Used in Neurological Dry Needling
Amaro, John (November 2010) The 24 Points Used in Neurological Dry Needling. Acupuncture Today, Vol. 11, Issue 11.  Retrieved from http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/mpacms/at/article.php?id=32297