The Benefits of Dry Needle Therapy for Effective Pain Relief

Written By: Dr. Haley Harvey, DC

Dry Needle Therapy is one of our specialties at H2 Health & Wellness. It is a form of tissue work that helps the body balance muscle tension, connective tissue dysfunction, and myofascial trigger points. The therapy is based on Trigger Point research by Janet Travel MD; the needle is a different way to treat trigger points within muscle tissue.  

Dry needling is performed using a very small gauge needle, one-tenth the size of needles used to draw blood. The needle is inserted into specific dysfunctional areas within muscle tissue called trigger points. Classic trigger points refer pain in a certain pattern to a specific area, often away from the actual area of dysfunction.

The technique creates immediate physiologic change within the tissue by decreasing local and referred pain, promoting blood flow, increasing neurotransmitter communication, increasing range of motion, and improving muscle activation patterns.

Dry needle therapy is an efficient and effective treatment for neck pain, shoulder pain, elbow & wrist pain, low back pain, sciatica pain, hip pain, knee pain, heel/plantar fascia pain, overuse injuries, sports injuries, and chronic pain. It’s a very safe, non-invasive technique. The biggest side effects are temporary muscle soreness and minor bruising.

With a proper evaluation and treatment plan, results can come quickly and last. The length of care depends on patient compliance with home care recommendations, consistency of treatment plans, and lifestyle factors. Dry needling is an amazing technique with great results; it may be the answer you’ve been looking for!