Should I Get Dry Needling? | IMPACT Physical Therapy

Should I Get Dry Needling?

Hands of physiotherapist doing a dry needling

Dry needling is an activity that puts a small, solid needle is what is called a “trigger point”, helping with stubborn pain and numerous other issues. So, should you get trigger point dry needling? And does dry needling cause scar tissue or any other complications? This guide is designed by IMPACT Physical Therapy for those to figure whether they should request an appointment for dry needling.     

Trigger Point Dry Needling: What it Does 

Dry needling to break up scar tissue, treat other injuries, or help muscle pain is an effective process that targets certain stubborn muscles and other areas. No medication is used. And it’s not exactly like acupuncture either — trigger point dry needling targets a specific part of your body. When a needle is painlessly inserted, the body reacts by triggering mechanisms to speed up healing in the affected area.
It can sometimes take multiple sessions for the full effects of trigger point dry needling to be apparent. On your first visit to a physical therapist like IMPACT Physical Therapy, a trained expert will determine a course of treatment that solves your problem.

Who Should Request Trigger Point Dry Needling? 

So, who is best able to experience the benefits of dry needling? It can be used to improve a lot of problems. Here are the broad categories that trigger point dry needling applies to: 

  • Those recovering from injuries: The healing period from a serious injury is of utmost importance. For example, dry needling to break up scar tissue is an effective method to help with recovery. Recovery from other muscle injuries can also be sped along by dry needling. 
  • Those with overuse injuries: Athletes or frequent exercisers who have experienced overuse injuries and want to recover a fuller range of motion stand to benefit with trigger point dry needling. 
  • Those who experience tension: Stubborn spots or knots that have a lot of tension can be effectively treated with trigger point dry needling. 

Who Shouldn’t Request Trigger Point Dry Needling 

In the therapy world, there are things called “contraindications,” which, for the expert, signify a patient should pursue other forms of treatment. Dry needling treats a lot of things, like scar tissue, but those with some of these issues or conditions should think about many of our other services.   

  • Fear of needles
  • Muscles undergoing anticoagulant therapy 
  • Areas with lymphoedema 
  • Abnormal Bleeding 
  • Vascular Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Epilepsy 
  • Childhood 

Contact IMPACT Physical Therapy for More Advice!  

You can get trigger point dry needling at IMPACT Physical Therapy, but there’s a lot more that we offer at our many locations If you’re looking for solutions that will help with scar tissue, tension, and more, contact us today and we’ll be happy to help!