EmergeOrtho is widely known for providing innovative, evidence-based subspecialty orthopedic services. Our commitment to practicing advanced treatment approaches extends to our Physical Therapy program, which includes progressive techniques such as dry needling physical therapy.

Clinical trials and research have demonstrated the effectiveness of dry needling to address several types of musculoskeletal pain as well as movement restriction. Trigger point dry needling is one of many physical therapy options performed by our renowned, board-certified Physical Therapy experts. Ultimately, it is our goal to personalize your treatment and recovery to help you Emerge Stronger. Healthier. Better.

What Is Dry Needling?

Many people are curious as to whether dry needling resembles the traditional Chinese medicine practice of acupuncture. While it is easy to see why the two would be linked, dry needling and acupuncture have distinct differences in approach.

Whereas acupuncture centers on releasing and promoting the flow of energy, dry needling as a physical therapy process focussed on stimulating trigger points to release tension in the muscle, fascia, and connective tissue; the outcome of which is to help reduce pain.

The dry needling technique involves the use of a thin filiform needle that penetrates the skin and stimulates various myofascial trigger points. The trigger points in your body are made of tight bands within each muscle fiber. These bundled muscle fibers directly affect whether you experience pain and a healthy range of motion. When your physical therapist applies dry needling to the trigger points, it helps release the tightness of the muscle band and improves the associated pain and discomfort you may be experiencing.

What Conditions Can Dry Needling Treat?

Considering the body is made up of 200 paired muscles, equalling 400 total muscles that are all capable of developing myofascial trigger points, there are several conditions that dry needling can address, which include (but are not limited to):

  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Acute neck pain
  • Chronic pain
  • Knee pain
  • Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Shoulder pain
  • Tendinitis

Is Dry Needling Painful?

Provided that you seek the expertise of a board-certified orthopedic expert, experienced in dry needling, you should only experience minimal discomfort.

Are You a Candidate for Dry Needling?

The best way to determine whether you qualify for dry needling treatment is to schedule a consultation with an EmergeOrtho Physical Therapist. It is important to note, that while dry needling is steadily becoming an increasingly desirable method of addressing myofascial pain and decreased range-of-motion, it is typically not utilized as a stand-alone physical therapy option.

With that said, dry needling utilized in tandem with other physical therapy procedures has proven helpful for many patients experiencing pain, muscle soreness, and problems with mobility.

More About EmergeOrtho’s Physical Therapy Program

As the premier North Carolina provider of orthopedic services and comprehensive physical therapy, EmergeOrtho also offers the following Physical Therapy services throughout our practices:

Again, our EmergeOrtho Physical Therapists work together to implement personalized treatment to help relieve your pain, rebuild strength and flexibility, improve range of motion, and increase your balance and coordination. Our diverse Therapy staff includes physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, and certified athletic trainers.

To learn more about dry needling physical therapy schedule a consultation now with one of our highly-qualified EmergeOrtho Physical Therapists.

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