Dry Needling in Alexandria
What Is Dry Needling?
At Belle Haven Family Chiropractic, we offer dry needling, which is a healing technique that provides effective treatment of soft tissue issues, particularly injuries to muscles and tendons. People often report dramatic pain relief for:
- Chronic conditions
- Muscle injuries
- Muscle spasms
- Plantar fasciitis
- Radiculopathy
- Sprains/strains
- TMJ
- Trigger points
- Tight, painful muscles
Don’t Let the Word “Needling” Scare You!
Most people hear the word “needle” and immediately think of receiving shots or having blood drawn, which can be painful because those types of needles have a large diameter and are hollow and beveled, designed to cut the skin.
The needles used in dry needling are the same as those used in acupuncture. The needle is a solid filament as fine as a hair that passes painlessly through the skin without cutting it. It’s placed precisely where soft tissue damage has occurred to help increase blood flow to the area. Some patients may feel mild cramping as the muscle begins to relax during treatment, but for most patients the experience is very pleasant.
Although the needles are the same as those used in acupuncture, the focus is different. Whereas acupuncture focuses on energy meridians, dry needling works on the soft tissues to increase circulation and blood flow to the area, alleviating pain as well as increasing range of motion.
How Long Do Dry Needling Results Last?
The number of sessions required for relief depends on the size of the muscle group affected. For issues like TMJ, a couple of sessions often takes care of the problem. For larger areas like the hips or glutes, it will take a few more sessions. In general, improved mobility is often experienced immediately and pain relief starts within twenty-four hours. Since the therapy works to heal the tissue, once healing is complete the results should last indefinitely, unless you re-injure the area.
What Are the Benefits of Dry Needling?
Dry needling reduces muscle tightness and spasm, eradicates trigger points, eases muscle stiffness, increases flexibility and range of motion and can also help with fibromyalgia pain.
Book Today
Contact us today to schedule.
