Revolutionizing Pain Relief: The Science Behind Dry Needling for Muscular Pain

Dr. Nathan Teter • August 2, 2023

Muscular pain can be a debilitating issue, affecting millions of people worldwide. Traditional treatments often focus on medication or invasive procedures, but there's a revolutionary technique gaining popularity in the world of physical therapy - dry needling.

In this blog, we will delve into the science behind Dry Needling and how it effectively relieves muscular pain.

Understanding Dry Needling: A Bird's Eye View

Dry needling, often considered an 'acupuncture cousin,' is a therapeutic procedure where physical therapists insert fine, stainless steel needles into specific areas of your body—called trigger points—to alleviate pain, increase range of motion, and promote healing.

Unlike acupuncture, dry needling is not based on traditional Chinese medicine; it's thoroughly grounded in Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles.

What's in a Name? The "Dry" in Dry Needling

The term 'dry' needling signifies the absence of medication or injection within the needle used in the procedure. Contrary to injections that doctors use for pain relief, the needles in dry needling aim to stimulate the healing process by targeting specific trigger points in your muscles.

The Science Behind Dry Needling

Trigger Points and Muscular Pain

Our muscles sometimes develop small knots—termed 'trigger points"—that can cause discomfort, pain, or limited movement. Dry needling focuses on these knots to relieve the associated symptoms.

The Biochemical Effects

When a needle punctures a trigger point, it elicits a local twitch response (LTR). Research indicates that this LTR may lead to biochemical changes within the muscle, aiding in reducing pain and enhancing muscle function.

The Nervous System's Role

Dry needling isn't just about the muscles—it's also about our nervous system. By stimulating trigger points, the procedure communicates with the nervous system, encouraging it to 'reset' and normalize the dysfunctional parts of our body, mitigating pain and discomfort.

Conditions Treated with Dry Needling

Dry Needling is highly effective in addressing a wide range of muscular pain conditions, including:

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Myofascial Pain Syndrome involves the presence of trigger points that cause localized and referred pain. Dry Needling can effectively target and alleviate these trigger points, providing relief from chronic pain.

Muscle Strains and Sprains

In cases of muscle strains and sprains, Dry Needling can promote muscle healing and reduce pain, helping individuals recover faster and regain their functionality.

Chronic Tension Headaches

Dry needling can manage chronic tension headaches by reducing their frequency and intensity. The result provides relief and improves the overall well-being of those who suffer from them.

Fibromyalgia

People living with fibromyalgia often experience widespread pain and tender points throughout their bodies. Dry needling provides targeted relief to these tender points, contributing to an improved quality of life overall.

Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are, unfortunately, pretty common among athletes and active folks. The good news is that dry needling can target those trigger points and improve blood circulation, speeding up your recovery. So, you'll be back in the game a lot faster!

Benefits of Dry Needling

Dry Needling provides numerous therapeutic benefits, effectively treating various musculoskeletal issues.

1. Pain Relief

Because dry needling is very effective in precisely targeting and interrupting neural pathways responsible for pain signals, pain is reduced drastically, resulting in remarkable relief.

2. Improved Flexibility and Range of Motion

Whenever dry needling focuses on trigger points, it improves muscle flexibility and joint mobility, tackling the root cause of pain rather than just the symptoms. This, in turn, helps patients get back to their normal activities more quickly.

3. Enhanced Muscle Recovery

Dry Needling is a revolutionary technique for athletes and active individuals! It accelerates muscle recovery, allowing you to return to your physical activities quickly.

4. Non-Invasive and Drug-Free

Dry needling is an excellent choice for pain management, providing a safe and effective alternative without invasive procedures or medication dependence. This technique offers a holistic and medication-free way to alleviate pain, avoiding potential side effects.

5. Complements Other Therapies

Dry Needling can improve and work well with other physical therapy treatments, such as manual therapy and personalized exercise programming. By combining these methods, we take a holistic approach that maximizes effectiveness and keeps our patients happy.

Dry Needling at APEX PT - Cumming

At APEX PT, we are proud of our certified therapists who excel in the technique of Dry Needling. Our personalized approach ensures that your treatment is tailored to your specific needs, guaranteeing maximum effectiveness.

The APEX Approach

Our experienced therapists conduct comprehensive assessments to accurately determine the cause of your pain. Armed with this valuable information, we design personalized treatment plans catering to your needs. Your well-being is our top priority, and we prioritize creating a safe and comfortable environment during Dry Needling treatment.

Post-Treatment Care

We firmly believe in the transformative potential of holistic care, which goes beyond mere treatment. That's why our dedicated therapists offer comprehensive guidance on post-treatment exercises and lifestyle modifications.

Dry Needling—A Blend of Art and Science

Dry needling is a fascinating blend of art and science—a targeted intervention method rooted in a deep understanding of human anatomy and physiology. When administered by trained physical therapists like those at APEX PT, it serves as a safe, effective method to combat muscular pain, improve mobility, and enhance your quality of life.

So, next time you encounter persistent muscular pain, remember the science behind dry needling and consider it as a potential route to recovery. After all, our bodies deserve the most informed, science-backed care available. At APEX PT, we're committed to providing just that.

Remember: the science is clear, but the results are even clearer. Feel the APEX difference today with our dry needling services. Because at APEX PT, we’re not just about relieving pain—we’re about changing lives.

Book an Appointment Today

Don't let muscular pain control your life any longer. Experience the science behind Dry Needling and discover a pain-free future. Contact APEX Physical Therapy - Cumming today at 678-325-6432 or email us at nteter@apexptcumming.com to schedule an appointment with our experienced physical therapist, Dr. Nathan Teter. Alternatively, you can also fill out our contact form. Take the first step towards a healthier, pain-free you!

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6 Ways Dry Needling Can Help During Winter

By Dr. Nathan Teter • February 11, 2025

Are the cold winter months taking a toll on your body? Many people experience increased muscle tension, joint stiffness, and persistent aches during colder seasons. If you’re tired of letting winter discomfort slow you down, it might be time to consider dry needling . In this article, we’ll explain why winter can worsen pain, how dry needling works, and how it can become an integral part of your winter wellness routine. Keep reading, and discover actionable tips to stay pain-free, mobile, and ready to enjoy the season.

A person is doing acupuncture on a woman 's back.

7 Common Conditions Treated with Dry Needling

By Dr. Nathan Teter • November 13, 2024

Dry needling can be a powerful technique for relieving pain and improving patient movement. It helps with a variety of conditions by targeting muscle pain and discomfort. In this article, we’ll explore how dry needling can benefit you if you suffer from common musculoskeletal issues. We’ll cover specific conditions and show you how this method can provide relief through dry needle therapy. What is Dry Needling? Dry needling involves a physical therapist inserting fine needles into specific points in the muscle. These needles for therapy help to relax tight muscles and release myofascial trigger point knots. This pain management technique can decrease discomfort and improve movement in affected areas. Many people find dry needling effective for treating different types of myalgia (muscle pain and discomfort). Back Pain What Causes Back Pain? Back pain, especially low back pain, can result from various factors. Poor posture, heavy lifting, and muscle strain are common causes. Over time, these issues can lead to chronic pain and limit your range of motion. How Dry Needling Helps Needle therapy for back pain targets tight muscles, connective tissue, and areas of discomfort in the back. By needling muscles, the technique helps to relieve muscle tension and pain. Many individuals experience reduced discomfort and improved mobility after needling for back pain . Neck Pain What Causes Neck Pain? Neck pain can arise from poor posture, repetitive strain, or injury. Spending long hours at a desk or looking down at a phone can contribute to muscle tightness and discomfort in the neck. How Dry Needling Helps Dry needling treatment addresses tight muscles in the neck area. The needles help to relax these muscles and reduce discomfort. This physical therapy method can improve your neck's range of motion and decrease overall discomfort. Sciatica What is Sciatica? Sciatica refers to the discomfort radiating along the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back to your legs. It often results from a herniated disc or muscle spasm. How Dry Needling Helps Dry needling therapy targets the muscles around the sciatic nerve. It can relieve the tension that presses on the nerve and reduce inflammation along the leg. This treatment can help to ease the discomfort associated with sciatica. Shoulder Pain What Causes Shoulder Pain? Shoulder pain can be caused by overuse, injury, or muscle imbalance. Activities that involve repetitive shoulder movements can lead to discomfort and inflammation. How Dry Needling Helps Dry needling can relieve shoulder pain by targeting soft tissue, tight muscles and trigger points. This physical therapy technique helps to relax the muscles and alleviate discomfort. Many people find that it improves their shoulder function and reduces inflammation. Hip Pain What Causes Hip Pain? Hip pain can be due to arthritis, muscle strain, or injuries from athletic training. Activities that put stress on the hip joint can contribute to pain and discomfort. How Dry Needling Helps Dry needling addresses tight muscles around the hip joint. By targeting these areas, the technique helps to reduce pain and improve hip movement. It can have high efficacy in managing hip discomfort. Knee Pain What Causes Knee Pain? Knee pain can result from injuries, arthritis, or overuse. Activities that put strain on the knee joint can lead to discomfort and pain. How Dry Needling Helps Dry needling targets the muscles, and soft tissue around the knee. The technique helps relieve tension and pain, improving overall knee function. It can be a useful pain management treatment for those experiencing knee discomfort. Elbow Pain What Causes Elbow Pain? Elbow pain can be caused by repetitive movements, overuse, or injuries from sports or athletic training. Common conditions include tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. How Dry Needling Helps Dry needling targets the muscles around the elbow joint. It helps to reduce tension and pain in the area, improving movement and function. This method can have high efficacy in managing elbow discomfort. Conclusion Dry needling by a reliable physical therapist can help with various musculoskeletal conditions like back pain, neck pain, and sciatica. By targeting specific muscles, it provides relief from discomfort and improves range of motion. If you’re dealing with pain from any of these conditions, dry needling in Cumming might be a solution for you. Apex Physical Therapy - Cumming offers this treatment to help you feel better and move more comfortably. Contact us to learn more or discuss any questions you have.