Integrative dry needling is not acupuncture (traditional Chinese medicine), it is based on neuroanatomy and modern scientific study of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems.  A very fine filament needle is inserted through the skin and into the deeper tissues that have inflammation, swelling, and trigger points that produce pain.  Dry needling works by causing a small, controlled injury within the pathological tissue improving blood flow, releasing tension, reducing inflammation, and centrally mediating your pain by stimulating the pain centers in the brain.  This mechanical and neuromuscular effect provides an environment that enhances the body’s ability to rebuild the dysfunctional tissue improving your function. 

Acupuncture uses eastern medicine principles like meridans and qi that were developed thousands of years ago to treat physical, mental and emotional pathologies.

Dry Needling utilizes western medicine principles like neurology, physiology, and anatomy to treat neuro-physiological pathologies like decreased mobility, strength, function and pain.

While Acupuncture and dry needling may utilize the same monofilament needle, their ideology and treatment approach is significantly different.

Traditional trigger point needling focuses on releasing tight or painful muscles at the site of discomfort and is centered around achieving the twitch response.

Neurologic Dry Needling goes further by using advanced assessment techniques to evaluate the health and sensitivity of your nervous system. This helps determine how your body will respond to treatment and identify the true root cause of your pain — not just where it hurts.

We assess and treat both the area of pain and the regions that may be contributing to it, allowing for more precise treatment and longer-lasting results.

Because of the neurophysiological effects described above dry needling can be effective for most neuromusculoskeletal conditions. These conditions include, but are not limited to neck, back and shoulder pain, arm pain (tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, golfer’s elbow), headaches to include migraines and tension- type headaches, fibromyalgia, jaw pain, buttock pain and leg pain (sciatica, hamstrings strains, calf tightness/spasms). 

Yes, we only use single use sterile disposable needles.

We strive to make the treatment virtually painless, however we are attempting to create a sensation that is described as an ache, heaviness or reproduction of your chief complaint of pain. This represents a physiological response that is needed to reduce your pain. You may also experience a momentary small muscle twitch (contraction) that will help release your muscle tightness and pain. These sensations are perfectly normal and are desirable responses. Your clinician closely monitors the process making modifications to the treatment to make your experience as comfortable and therapeutic as possible. Treatment intensity can be adjusted to meet your comfort needs.

This will vary but many patients experience immediate relief of their symptoms and an increase in range of motion. 

Soreness can also be a common response but does not occur with all people, and should only last 24-48 hours. Heat, light massage and movement can be utilized to minimize soreness from the procedure. 

It is uncommon but possible that the treatment may temporarily increase your symptoms.  This is not unusual but if this continues past the 1-2-day window, inform your clinician to allow adjustment of your program to enhance your comfort the next time.  

Yes! Dry needling helps improve range of motion and enhance motor control of your muscles. Movement after treatment is encouraged, although intensity may be modified based off your presentation.

This will depend on the state of your injury and your overall health. Your clinician will be able to provide you with more insight after a thorough medical review and physical examination.

Wear lose fitting clothing for easy access to your painful areas. Gowns are available to change into if needed.

Be well hydrated and have something to eat within a few hours of your appointment.