Physical Therapy Dry Needling is the process of using a thin needle inserted into a trigger point to relieve a contracture within a muscle.
Physical Therapy Dry Needling in Kansas City
Physical Therapy Dry Needling
Dry Needling is a manual, therapeutic technique aimed at healing dysfunctional muscle tissue in the body. It is performed using a thin needle, such as that used in acupuncture, that pierces the skin and is inserted into a myofascial trigger point or taut band of tissue. An involuntary twitch response is provoked, which reduces tension in the muscle and helps to restore normal function through a variety of biochemical reactions.
What It Treats
Physical Therapy Dry Needling in Kansas City can help reduce and or eliminate musculoskeletal dysfunction and pain associated with, but not limited to:
- Headaches
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinitis
- Jaw pain
- Shoulder pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Sciatica
- Knee pain
- Tennis elbow
- Shin splints
- Little leaguers elbow
- Nerve entrapments
How Dry Needling Works
When targeted at an active trigger point, dry needling works through a variety of physiological processes. A classic response to treatment with dry needling is called a local twitch response (LTR). An LTR is when an involuntary reflex or twitch is elicited within the tight and adhered tissue.
The process works by interrupting the improper communication at the motor end plates of your muscles (s) allowing the muscles and the brain to effectively relearn how to communicate. When the brain and muscles relearn how to optimally communicate, joints can re-establish proper positioning and motion leading to alleviation of pain.
Additional Benefits
In addition, physical therapy using dry needling in Kansas City improves circulation to the site of trauma, allowing normal blood flow and oxygen to be restored, and raises the pH level of the area to that of a normal value, thereby reducing local inflammation and promoting healing.
When it comes to modulating pain, dry needling decreases nociceptive input (pain) and biomechanical agents along with activation of higher centers of the brain as a result of hte mechanical stimulation from the needle.
How F.I.T. Uses Dry Needling
F.I.T. Muscle & Joint Clinic utilizes dry needling in physical therapy for a variety of conditions. With any injury to the body, there is inflammation and a cascade of events that can lead to taut bands of muscles and trigger points. When these trigger points are formed, the entire muscle and chain of muscles become dysfunctional.
The physical therapists at F.I.T. use dry needling in Kansas City to restore proper muscle length. Our doctors supplement all dry needling treatments with rehab exercises to retrain the injured area and re-establish full function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
Dry needling and acupuncture, although both utilize similar size needles, are different techniques that serve different purposes in the healing process.
Is dry needling safe?
Yes, we value your safety and well being and would not offer a procedure that is not in your best interest. However, there are risks associated with dry needling just as there are with any medical procedure. Call us and one of our providers will be happy to discuss the risks and benefits with you.
Does dry needling hurt?
The majority of people do not describe physical therapy with dry needling as painful, but rather as uncomfortable due to the nature of the muscular contraction associated with the necessary twitch response.
Is Dry Needling right for you?
Take a couple of minutes to tell us about your symptoms and pain areas. Prefer to chat over the phone? Call us for a free phone consultation.
Visit your local F.I.T.
Meet the team at any of our 10 locations: Lee’s Summit, Leawood, Paola, Kansas City, Crossroads, Liberty, Blue Valley, Olathe, Overland Park & Shawnee.
