Dry Needling in Greenwood IN

Dry needling in Greenwood IN is a specific treatment that uses a solid filament needle to treat muscle trigger points which are creating pain and discomfort. A trigger point is a local band of tight, irritable and dysfunctional muscle tissue. Along with the needles, it is often paired with electrical stimulation to enhance the effects of the treatment. This combination causes a gentle contraction and relaxation of the irritable muscle, which helps the muscle relax further. Dry needling is also usually paired with exercise and other physical therapy techniques to prevent trigger points from reoccurring. When dry needling is applied to an affected muscle or trigger point, it can decrease muscle tightness, increase blood flow and reduce pain. Patients often report immediate relief after treatment.

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Does it Hurt in Greenwood IN?

Trigger points are usually painful to the touch, so while the provider is locating the trigger point you may feel discomfort. During the needling, sometimes patients report they don't feel the needle going in because it is so small. Other patients will feel a small prick. When it needle is in the trigger point, it can be painful and cause a twitch response. After the treatment, there may be some tightness or soreness near the insertion site so it is important to keep moving and stretching.

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Conditions Helped

Dry needling is a safe technique for treating many musculoskeletal conditions including but not limited to:

• joint issues
• disc issues tendinitis migraines
• tension headaches
• jaw and mouth problems such as TMJ whiplash
• carpal tunnel tennis elbow shoulder pain low back pain
• muscle strains

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Benefits

As part of an overall treatment plan to address the causes of trigger points dry needling has many benefits. The procedure carries a low risk of complications when performed by trained providers. Research shows dry needling can release trigger points which may relive you muscle paint and stiffness. Releasing trigger points may also increase flexibility and improve range of motion.

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Side Effects

The most common side effect of dry needling is soreness during and after the treatment. Other side effects are typically minor and they may include: stiffness, bruising at or near the insertion site, fatigue, fainting, and infection.

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Before Treatment

The provider will go over your medical history and perform a physical exam. The provider will then explain the treatment and answer any questions that you may have. On the day of your treatment, you should dress comfortable in loose c lothing. Wear something that allows your provider to easily access the treatment area. Otherwise, you will be given a gown.

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During Treatment

Your provider will sterilize the treatment area. The needles are always s ingle-use, sterile and disposable. The provider will locate the trigger point, then gently tap the needle into the top layer of your skin. Depending on technique, the needles will be left in as short as two seconds to as long as 20 minutes. It is possible that they use the pistioning techniquie which involves the provider quickly moving the needling up and down through the tissue. During the treatment, you may feel muscle soreness of twitching. This is normal and a s ign that your muscle are responding to the treatment.

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After Treatment

After the treatment is complete, your provider will remove the needles and examine your skin for reactions. The needles will be disposed in a medical sharps container. Once you leave the office, make sure to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. You may experience muscle soreness after the treatment but it is important to keep moving. This is normal and may last 24 to 36 hours. You may also see some bruising near the treated area, which is also normal.