Dry Needling Therapy in Franklin, MA

Do you ever feel like your muscles are so tight that they’re about to snap? Or like there’s a knot in your back that won’t go away, preventing you from enjoying your life? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people suffer from muscle pain and tightness every day.

Traditional treatments for muscle pain, such as heat, massage, and over-the-counter pain medication, can help relieve symptoms, but they often don’t address the underlying cause. That’s where dry needling treatment comes in.

WHAT IS TRIGGER POINT DRY NEEDLING (TDN)? 

TDN inserts tiny, solid filament needles into the muscle to release painful myofascial trigger points. This results in the deepest tissue release, improving movement and relieving pain.

Needles are inserted in a contracted, painful, knotted muscle to create a local muscle twitch reflex. This is the first step in breaking the discomfort cycle, as research shows it will reduce muscle contraction chemical irritation, improve flexibility, and decrease pain.

Additionally, TDN will cause a controlled lesion and remove between 3,000 and 15,000 individual muscle fibers. The immune system will get active because the body views the needle as an outside invader. Your body will react to the inflammation caused by the cut muscle fibers, helping reduce local inflammation.

Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling. Are they the same?

No, acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, while dry needling is based on Western medical research and concepts. The use of sterile, disposable solid filament needles is the key similarity. 

Both are minimally invasive procedures that involve inserting thin needles into the skin. However, there are some critical differences between the two techniques.

• Acupuncture needles are typically inserted more superficially than dry-needling needles. This is because acupuncture needles stimulate energy flow while dry-needling needles release muscle tension.

• Acupuncture needles may be left in place longer than dry-needling needles. This is because acupuncture is thought to have a cumulative effect, and the needles must be left in place to allow the energy to flow.

• Therapists may manipulate dry-needling needles by rotating or flicking them. This helps to release muscle tension and discomfort.

What are the Benefits of Dry Needling Therapy?

Pain Relief

Dry needling can relieve pain from acute and chronic conditions by targeting trigger points and releasing muscle tension.

Improved Range of Motion

Many individuals experience restricted joint movement due to tight or overactive muscles. This treatment can help release these restrictions, allowing for improved joint mobility and a better range of motion.

Enhanced Blood Flow

The needling process stimulates blood flow to the treated area, aiding tissue healing and reducing inflammation.

Minimally Invasive

Unlike other techniques, this one involves minimal discomfort and is considered a minimally invasive procedure. Most patients experience little to no side effects.

Quick Recovery

Many individuals experience immediate relief or noticeable improvements after a dry needling session.

Reduction in Nerve Sensitivity

Dry needling can help desensitize nerves that have become sensitized due to muscle tightness or inflammation.

How Long Do the Benefits of Dry Needling Last?

The duration of the benefits varies depending on the patient’s condition, the specific problem, the underlying cause, and how well the patient follows up with recommended post-treatment care and exercises. Generally, they can last several days, weeks, or even months. The number of treatments will also determine how long the effects last on the patient.

How Painful is Dry Needling?

You may or may not feel the insertion of the needle. The pain is typically caused by the needle stimulating the trigger point. Trigger points are areas of muscle tightness and tenderness that refer pain to other body areas. When the needle is inserted into a trigger point, it causes a release of muscle tension and discomfort.

In some cases, the discomfort can be mild enough that it is not noticeable. However, in other cases, it can be more intense and may last for a few hours after the treatment.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT? 

Improvements, such as increased range of motion, ease of movement, and decreased signs/symptoms, may be seen after the first visit. Many patients report being sore after the treatment. Typically, this soreness lasts between a few hours and two days, and occasional bruising may occur.

WHAT CONDITIONS CAN DRY NEEDLING TREAT?

Dry needling can treat different chiropractic conditions, such as:

• Neck/Back Pain

• Shoulder Pain

• Tennis/Golfer’s Elbow

• Headaches

• Hip and Gluteal Pain

• Knee Pain

Satisfied Patients

CONTACT OUR CERTIFIED DRY-NEEDLING THERAPISTS!

Are you ready to start your recovery from that pain and discomfort that stops you from living your life? Our chiropractors are certified in dry needling therapy and have over 15 years of experience. Schedule your appointment today, and trust us to help you recover your life!