Monday, January 7, 2013

Dry Needling

Ascent Physical Therapy offers dry needling to manage pain. Read the faq below to find out if dry needling could be for you.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a procedure where solid filament (acupuncture) needles are inserted into the skin and muscle directly at a myofascial triggerpoint (also known as a knot).


What can Dry Needling help?

Dry needling can be used for a variety of musculoskeletal problems. Conditions which respond to dry needling include, but are not limited to:

Tennis elbow
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Golfer's elbow
Leg pain
Hamstring strains
Shin splints
Muscle Spasms
Sciatic Pain
Hip Pain
Knee Pain
Repetitive Strain Injuries

How does Dry Needling work?

The pioneering studies by Dr Shah and colleagues at the National Institutes of Health suggest that inserting a needle into trigger points causes favorable biochemical changes which assist in reducing pain. It is essential to elicit a Local Twitch Response which is a spinal cord reflex and is the first step in breaking the pain cycle.

How does Dry Needling stop this cycle?

A spasmed muscle becomes a damaged muscle. Spasm reduces blood flow in the muscle. This means less oxygen and nutrients to the muscle. Muscle fibers die off and get replaced by scar tissue. This in turn holds the muscle tight, prevents muscle metabolites from leaving the muscle and causes continued spasm and pain.


What does Dry Needling feel like?

Generally, needle insertion is not felt, the local twitch response may provoke a very brief pain response. This has been described as cramping sensation. During treatment, patients commonly experience either a heaviness in the limbs or a pleasant feeling of relaxation.



Are the needles sterile ?

Yes, only sterile disposable needles are used.

Are there any side effects?


How long does it take for the procedure to work?



The musculoskeletal system is under constant pressure from gravity, stress, work etc. A regular exercise program combined with good posture can prevent many problems. If the pain returns, tune-up visits are recommended to treat and prevent injuries.

For further information or for an appointment please contact Ascent Physical Therapy (970) 949-9966



  2. Dry needling has relieved some of my knee pain, so I would highly recommend it to others.

  3. Getting dry needling done by physical therapist will give good results to the patients.

  4. I like this post and information shair in this post are really help people !
    Muscle Therapy

  5. Great information! Great concepts on this blog. Physical therapy that addresses the muscles within and around the pelvis.These muscles need to have the right amount of tension to be supportive. In addition, the muscles must be flexible enough to allow the bladder and bowel to empty properly.

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  6. Didn't know this much about Dry Needling, learned a lot. Thanks for sharing.

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  7. I know a lot more about dry needling now that I've read this article. I didn't know it could help so many problems. I have had repeated strain injuries in my feet and this could be a possible solution for me since I'm not afraid of needles!
    Claudia Rosenburg |

  8. I don't know if I would have the guts to try this. I don't handle needles very well. Maybe if they were in my back and I couldn't see them I could do it. I might have to because nothing else is really helping me.

  9. I don't appreciate needles, so this might not be the treatment for me, Though it is a good alternative to being drugged up on pain pills for a long time. This might be less commonly accepted but would probably be less addictive.
    Michael Foster

  10. It's interesting to learn more about different physical therapy techniques. I've never heard of dry needling before. It seems like an interesting blend between Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles and Chinese acupuncture. I have sciatic pain, so this seems like a type of physical therapy that I should look into.

  11. I have read your idea and seen your technique.I think your technique is follow able.Five Dock