Therapeutic dry needling is different from acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on balancing energy flow within the body. What is dry needling? Dry needling is based on modern Western medicine principles and focused specifically on treating musculoskeletal conditions. The effectiveness of dry needling varies depending on the person and the specific condition they are being treated for. Our physical therapists are not licensed to practice acupuncture but they are all certified in dry needling.

While some may only feel a mild sensation during dry needle insertion, other people might experience a brief sharp pain or a cramping feeling when a needle hits a trigger point. Some patients report mild side effects in the area treated after a treatment session including:

• Mild Discomfort or Pain: Temporary soreness at the needle site.
• Bruising: Minor bruising around the area of needle insertion.
• Bleeding: Small amounts of bleeding at the needle site.
• Fatigue: Feelings of tiredness post-treatment similar to how you might feel after a rigorous workout.
• Muscle Soreness: Sometimes in or near the treatment site.

Post-treatment recommendations from our well-trained team of physical therapists may include applying heat or ice over the area, gentle stretches, and modification of your activities.

Typically, multiple sessions of dry needling therapy are required to achieve optimum benefits. At Release PT, we believe it is important to induce mechanical and biochemical changes without the use of drugs. The desired outcome is to reach a cumulative effect with a threshold, disrupting the cycle of pain.

We are an out-of-network provider, so our patients pay out of pocket for their visits. Your initial evaluation and treatment is $239, and follow-up treatments are $209. All sessions last 55 minutes. To save you time and trouble, we can obtain your out-of-network benefits information from your insurance provider prior to your visit and submit the claims on your behalf. You are then reimbursed directly by your insurance company based on your out-of-network policy. All fees are due at the time of service.

The number of dry needling sessions recommended varies depending on each person’s condition, the severity of their symptoms, and their response to the treatment. In general:

• Initial Treatment: Typically 2-4 sessions to gauge response.
• Evaluation: Assess effectiveness after initial sessions.
• Additional Sessions: More sessions may be recommended based on progress.
• Maintenance: Periodic sessions for sustained benefits, when needed.

The musculoskeletal system experiences constant pressure from gravity, stress, work, and other factors. Consistent exercise and good posture may prevent many issues. If the pain returns, more trigger point dry needling sessions may be recommended to treat and prevent serious injuries. Our physical therapists at Release PT can assist in determining how effective your treatment plan is and can adjust it for you when necessary.

Here are some considerations as to how long the results of dry needling last:

• Immediate Relief: Some experience short-term pain relief for several days post-session.
• Cumulative Effects: Multiple sessions can lead to longer-lasting benefits, potentially extending for weeks or months.
• Individual Variability: Duration of relief varies widely among individuals.
• Condition Dependent: Chronic conditions might require more frequent sessions compared to acute issues, which may show longer-lasting results from fewer sessions.

Dry needling is not advisable for people who have a fear of needles, are on blood thinners, or for those with bleeding disorders. People with compromised immune systems, local skin infections, and pregnant women (especially those in their first trimester) are also advised to stay away from dry needling. Lastly, it’s not recommended for anyone who is allergic to nickel or chromium, or who has had surgery within the last two weeks.

Discuss your medical history with a healthcare provider to determine if dry needling is suitable for you.

After a dry needling session, you should avoid these to ensure the best possible outcome and minimize any adverse effects:

• Strenuous Activity: Avoid intense physical activities, such as heavy lifting or high-intensity workouts, immediately after treatment. This gives your body time to recover and respond to the therapy.
• Alcohol Consumption: It’s advisable to avoid alcoholic beverages because they can increase inflammation and hinder the healing process.
• Ignoring Pain or Discomfort: If you experience significant pain, swelling, or other concerning symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. While some soreness is normal, severe or unusual reactions should be assessed by a professional.

Follow any specific post-treatment instructions given by your healthcare provider, because their instructions may vary based on your individual circumstances and the areas treated.

A dry needle therapy session at Release PT usually lasts 5 to 10 minutes but it is within a 55-minute appointment where other treatments are done as well. Our therapists have advanced credentials and are trained to administer dry needling safely for the best results. They’re skilled in accurately identifying and effectively treating muscular trigger points across more than 100 muscles in the body. Contact us today at Release PT to schedule an appointment for dry needle therapy.