What Is Dry Needling And How Does It Work?

Looking for more information on the topic of dry needling? Chiropractors can offer this type of treatment, which is used to address muscle pain. This alternative therapy option is one that many people are choosing to address discomfort and pain points.

What is dry needling?

Understanding what dry needling is and how it works is the first thing someone needs to understand before making a decision on whether or not this treatment option is right for them. Dry needling is a procedure that requires a chiropractor to insert a very thin needle into a patient’s skin in order to stimulate a certain trigger point. The goal is to release any tight bands of muscle, aka hard muscle knots, within the muscle in order to alleviate and even eliminate one’s muscle pain.

According to Cleveland Clinic, dry needling trigger point therapy has been used for decades, but it has become an increasingly popular drug-free way to treat musculoskeletal pain.

How does dry needling work?

The list below includes specific information on how the dry needling process works. It is essential to find an experienced chiropractor to perform this type of procedure.

Thin, dry needles are inserted through the skin

Chiropractors use very thin and dry needles to insert through a patient’s skin, with a goal of entering the muscle tissue. When it comes to where these needles will be placed, they are placed in carefully chosen trigger points. The overall goal is to restore a patient's mobility by focusing directly on their muscle and connective tissues.

For example, overusing muscles can make it so the muscle's fibers are no longer able to get a proper amount of blood supply. When muscles do not get the blood supply they need, it means they are also not getting the oxygen and nutrients they need to function properly.

Stimulating trigger points

Once a chiropractor inserts the needles into a patient’s skin, they are specifically doing so in order to stimulate a previously chosen trigger point. This stimulation helps bring blood supply back to the muscle, which in turn helps to relieve any muscle tension and accordingly muscle pain. The stimulation of trigger points can also help the nerves directly stimulate the brain, which helps to release beneficial endorphins. Endorphins are important when it comes to reducing one’s muscle pain.

Experiencing the benefits

While many people choose to undergo dry needling from an experienced chiropractor in order to address any muscle pain they are experiencing, dry needling offers additional benefits. One of these benefits is that it helps to improve one's movement and is thus one of the reasons why many athletes choose to undergo this chiropractic procedure. Additional benefits include easing joint pain, improving blood flow throughout the body and increasing one’s oxygen circulation.

Bottom line

Is dry needling the right option for addressing muscle pain? After reading the above information, it should be understood what dry needling is, as well as how it works. For those who are experiencing muscle pain and want to try this alternative treatment options, the next step is making a consultation appointment for personalized information.

Are you considering dry needling in the Ooltewah area? Get more information at https://spine-chiropractic.com.

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