Do you suffer from persistent pain? Are you experiencing muscle tightness due to overuse or a chronic condition? If other treatments and medications haven't worked, you may benefit from dry needling therapy. Here's what you need to know.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a form of therapy that involves inserting fine needles into specific trigger points in the muscles. This procedure helps release tight muscles, decrease pain, and improve mobility. The goal of dry needling is to trigger a natural process called muscle 'inhibition.' This inhibition is when the body's nervous system sends signals to the affected muscles, which causes them to relax.
How Is Dry Needling Different Than Acupuncture?
Dry needling is often compared to acupuncture because it also involves inserting needles into the body. However, the two procedures are quite different. Acupuncture is based on Eastern medicine principles, while dry needling is rooted in Western principles. Acupuncture focuses on energy flow and balance in the body, while dry needling is focused solely on releasing painful trigger points and natural-occurring responses.
Who Needs Dry Needling?
Dry needling can benefit patients suffering from chronic pain, top-caliber athletes looking to improve their performance, or individuals who want to recover from surgery faster. Dry needling can also help individuals who experience headaches, back pain, muscle spasms, and chronic injuries like tennis elbow. If you suffer from any of these conditions, dry needling may be an effective therapy for you.
What Are the Benefits of Dry Needling?
Dry needling therapy boasts a range of benefits, including:
- Release of endorphins. Endorphins are hormones released by the body to reduce pain.
- Improve blood flow. By stimulating the trigger points, dry needling can increase blood flow, which reduces inflammation and promotes healing.
- Improved posture. By helping the body relax, dry needling reduces physical strain and, in turn, can also improve your posture.
- Break up scar tissue. Scar tissue is a common result of overuse or injury. It can cause pain and decrease flexibility. Dry needling helps break up the tissue, allowing for a greater range of motion.
- Decrease muscle tension and tightness. Dry needling helps release tight muscles in the body, which improves mobility and range of motion.
Overall, dry needling leads to increased ease of movement and improved performance.
Dry needling therapy is an effective, safe, and minimally invasive procedure used for pain relief and muscle tension release and is becoming an increasingly popular form of therapy. If you're experiencing persistent pain or muscle tension, seek out a qualified therapist and inquire about dry needling therapy as a treatment option.
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