Dry needling might have some similarities with acupuncture, but this medicine technique is often associated with physical therapy. Also known as myofascial trigger point dry needling or intramuscular stimulation (IMS), the American Physical Therapy Association technically defines this technique as a treatment for skeletal muscle or connective tissue dysfunction, damage, or pain.
Dry needling vs. acupuncture
Acupuncture relieves pain by balancing the flow of energy (Qi) in the body. This is achieved by inserting needles in specific acupuncture points to release endorphins, which have anti-inflammatory effects.
On the other hand, trigger point dry needling is performed by inserting a needle directly into a specific point in the muscles that cause the pain. Interestingly, a 2014 review has revealed that inserting the needles into the muscles around the painful site is more effective than zeroing in on the pain points only. This dry needling technique is somewhat similar to acupuncture as it treats a larger area of nerves and muscles.
In Florida, dry needling for back pain cannot be performed by physical therapists under existing laws. The good news is that Dr. Guan, an acupuncturist in Gainesville, FL, has undergone intensive training in both fields and has a license to provide both physical therapy and acupuncture services to patients.
So, if you want to experience the following benefits, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
1. Pain reduction
Dry needling targets trigger points that may help reduce body pain. The needles work to diffuse any tension or inflammation in the affected or injured part of the body. In addition, the needles may help initiate chemical changes in the muscles or tissues that can stop pain transmission.
2. Range of motion improvement
Once pressure, tension, or inflammation in the trigger points are released through dry needling, the patient may begin to feel improvements in the injured part of the body. As muscle spasms are reduced, the patient’s range of motion may also slowly return to normal. For a baseball athlete, for example, dry needling may reduce discomfort caused by joint pains and improve the shoulder’s overall function, after repeated movements like throwing, catching, or pitching the ball.
3. Promotes faster healing
The recovery process of a patient suffering from injuries may be shorter with dry needling, because of improved range of motion and pain reduction. If the patient is eager to get back to regular physical activities, this method is recommended in addition to other physical therapy techniques. Dry needling also promotes healing and full-strength recovery faster because the needles can stimulate the proteins and collagen that the body needs to heal naturally.
4. Improves blood circulation
Trigger points often have constricted muscles that restrict the flow of blood and the distribution of oxygen. The lack of sufficient circulation may further aggravate the injury. Dry needling can clear up this problem and improve the body’s oxygenation in these areas.
5. Resetting the system
Dry needling not only restores muscle function and reduces pain, it also resets the nervous system, allowing patients to understand their bodies better. It will help to incorporate dry needling with other physical or physiotherapy techniques to fully take advantage of its benefits for a person’s general well-being.
Dry needling may work on several health problems such as spinal problems, migraines and tension headaches, joint problems, tendonitis, whiplash, carpal tunnel syndrome, pelvic pain, cramps, and temporomandibular joint disorders or TMD.
Where to get dry needling in Florida
If you are considering dry needling or acupuncture for back pain in Gainesville, and don’t know where to start or what to expect, our trained and friendly expert at Guan Acupuncture can help ease your anxiety and answer all of your questions.
Talk to our world-class experts in acupuncture and physical therapy in Gainesville, FL, to get the best assessment and treatment options for your health needs. For more information, please Contact Us.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
