Dry Needling

Dry needling services in Edmonton

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used by skilled physiotherapists to treat muscle pain and dysfunction. It involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific trigger points (muscle knots) within the muscle tissue. The goal is to stimulate these points to reduce pain and improve muscle function. Unlike acupuncture, which focuses on the body’s energy flow, dry needling targets specific muscle areas to reduce pain and tension. For those seeking relief in the region, Dry needling therapy offers a targeted approach to help alleviate muscle discomfort and promote recovery.

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Conditions Dry Needling Can Treat

Dry needling is effective in treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:

• Chronic muscle pain
• Myofascial pain syndrome (muscle knots)
• Tension headaches
• Neck and back pain
• Sports injuries
• Sciatica
• Shin splints
• Plantar fasciitis
• Frozen shoulder
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders

Whether you are recovering from an injury or dealing with persistent muscle tension, dry needling can help alleviate pain and improve muscle function.

Benefits of Dry Needling

Dry needling offers several benefits for those dealing with muscle pain or dysfunction:

• Pain Management: By targeting muscle trigger points, dry needling helps reduce pain and discomfort associated with chronic muscle tension.
• Improved muscle function: The technique helps restore normal muscle movement, increasing flexibility and range of motion.
• Reduced muscle tightness: By deactivating muscle knots, dry needling relieves tightness, making movement easier.
• Improves recovery: It enhances blood flow and promotes recovery in the affected muscles, leading to recovery from injuries.
• Non-invasive treatment: Unlike surgery or injections, dry needling is a minimally invasive, safe treatment option.

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How Dry Needling Works

Dry needling works by targeting specific trigger points or tight bands of muscle that cause pain and dysfunction. The thin needles are inserted into these points, where they create a small “twitch” response in the muscle. This twitching stimulates the muscle to release tightness and encourages it to relax. In turn, this can reduce pain and improve muscle function over time. For those seeking this treatment, Dry needling therapy offers a specialized approach to muscle pain relief and rehabilitation.

The needle insertion also increases blood flow to the area, promoting recovery by bringing oxygen and nutrients to the muscle. As the body adapts to the treatment, muscles become less tight, and pain is reduced, allowing for improved movement.

What to Expect During Dry Needling Therapy

When you come in for dry needling, the process is straightforward and typically lasts between 20 and 30 minutes. Here’s what you can expect:

• Initial Consultation: Your physiotherapist will first assess your condition and identify the areas of muscle tightness or pain.
• Needle Insertion: The therapist will then insert thin needles into the targeted muscle areas. You may feel a slight pinch or a twitching sensation in the muscle, which is a normal part of the process.
• Treatment Time: The needles are typically left in place for a few minutes. Some patients may experience soreness or a dull ache during or after the treatment.
• Post-Treatment Care: After the treatment, your physiotherapist may guide you through stretches or exercises to further alleviate muscle tension and improve recovery.

If you’re looking for effective treatment for muscle pain and tightness, dry needling therapy is an excellent option to consider. It’s a popular choice for those seeking targeted relief under the guidance of skilled physiotherapists.

Many patients feel comfort immediately after treatment, while others may notice improvement over the next few days. It’s common to experience mild soreness for 24-48 hours, similar to the feeling after a good workout.

Dry needling therapy is a safe and effective treatment when performed by a registered professional. If you’re interested in how dry needling can help you recover from muscle pain or dysfunction, contact us at Millwoods Physical Therapy today to schedule a consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is dry needling different from acupuncture?

While both techniques use similar needles, they are quite different in purpose and philosophy. Dry needling is rooted in Western medicine and focuses on treating musculoskeletal issues by releasing trigger points and tight muscle tissue. It’s often used by physiotherapists as part of a broader rehab plan.

Acupuncture, on the other hand, is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and focuses on balancing energy (Qi) in the body to treat a wide range of physical and emotional conditions. 

At Millwoods Physical Therapy, we offer both techniques, and we’ll help you choose what’s right for your goals.

Is dry needling covered by health insurance?

Yes, dry needling is often covered under extended health benefit plans when performed by a licensed physiotherapist. Since it’s part of a physiotherapy treatment session, it typically falls under your physiotherapy coverage rather than acupuncture or alternative medicine.

We offer direct billing for most major providers, including Alberta Blue Cross, Sun Life, Manulife, Great-West Life, Johnston Group, and Desjardins. If you’re unsure about your coverage, bring your insurance information to your first visit, and we’ll help you confirm it.

Does dry needling hurt?

You may feel a quick pinch or a twitch in the muscle during treatment; that’s a normal and even desired response. Some people describe it as a deep ache or a muscle cramp that lasts only a few seconds. 

While dry needling isn’t typically painful, it can cause temporary soreness or heaviness in the area for a day or two afterward, like what you would experience after a deep workout or massage.

Our therapists always check in and adjust the approach to match your comfort level. The goal is to make treatment effective without overwhelming your system.

How do I know dry needling is right for me?

It’s especially helpful for conditions like neck and shoulder tension, low back pain, headaches, tendonitis, and sports injuries.

At your first visit, your therapist will assess your condition, listen to your goals, and let you know if dry needling is likely to help. In many cases, it’s used alongside other physiotherapy techniques to help you recover faster and feel better, longer.

To find out of dry needling is the right therapy for you, book an initial consultation or speak to our team today.