Dry Needling Specialist

Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center

Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation located in Greenbelt, Olney, Bowie, Riverdale, Glen Burnie, and Rockville, MD

Muscle tension and spasms may occur with conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, headaches, or muscle strains. Dry needling is a technique that eases muscle tension and spasms to ease the pain associated with these conditions. The skilled team at the Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center in Greenbelt, Olney, Bowie, Riverdale, Glen Burnie, Laurel, Maryland, provides dry needling to treat chronic pain conditions and acute injuries. Find out more about dry needling by calling the office nearest you or booking an appointment online today. Same-day and next-day appointments are available.

Dry Needling Q & A

What is dry needling?

Dry needling, also known as trigger point dry needling, is a treatment the Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center team provides to ease muscle tension and spasms.

During dry needling, your physical therapist inserts a thin dry needle, which means the needle has no medication or solution, into a muscle knot, also known as a trigger point.

A trigger point is a tight band of muscle tissue that may affect muscle function and range of motion. These trigger points may be tender to touch or cause referred pain, where the trigger point affects another part of your body.

When inserted into the tight band of muscle, the dry needle stimulates the tissue, decreasing the tightness, increasing circulation to the tissue, and reducing pain.

Am I a candidate for dry needling?

Your physical therapist determines if you’re a candidate for dry needling after an assessment. The team uses dry needling to treat muscle tension and spasms that develop from:

Arthritis
Tendonitis
Nerve irritation
Muscle strains
Ligament sprains
Herniated discs

They also find dry needling highly effective for treating chronic muscle pain and repetitive sports injuries. It may also help relieve or prevent headaches.

The team uses dry needling in conjunction with other treatments and therapies to decrease pain and restore function.

What happens during dry needling?

Your physical therapist at Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center customizes your dry needling treatment plan to best meet your needs.

You may experience various sensations during dry needling, such as muscle soreness, aching, or twitching. These symptoms are signs that the treatment is working.

Your physical therapist may leave your needles in for a few seconds or up to 15 minutes.

What can I expect after dry needling?

You may experience muscle soreness following your dry needling session at Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center. Your physical therapist offers specific recommendations based on your needs for managing this pain.

Though results vary, you should experience a decrease in muscle pain and improvements in flexibility and range of motion following your dry needling treatment.

Find out more about dry needling at Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center by calling the office closest to you or scheduling an appointment online today.

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