Targeted Trigger Point Dry Needling In Palm Beach Gardens and Jupiter FL

Dry needling is a manual therapy technique that involves inserting an acupuncture-size needle into a myofascial trigger point to help relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore tissue function.

A trigger point (TrP) is a small contracture within the muscle; it is a local area where muscle tissue is starved of oxygen which generally causes pain and dysfunction. When a muscle is either held in a static position for too long (sitting, using a computer/phone are examples) or over-stressed through exercise or postural imbalances, it can cause trigger points to form. Trigger points are difficult to alleviate through stretching and massage alone.

While both techniques use the same size needle, the overall goal differs. In a dry needling treatment, the needle is inserted deep into the muscle tissue to bring blood flow and oxygen to the trigger point for it to release. We say this generally, as we are NOT Acupuncturists. Still, traditional acupuncture treatment often involves inserting the needle into the superficial layers of skin to restore energy balance along meridian lines.

Yes! PTs in Florida are required to complete 50 hours of hands-on coursework and 25 supervised sessions before practicing. In a study performed in 2014, PTs were put to the test and performed over 7500 dry needling treatments. No significant adverse events were found, putting the risk at .04%; this is lower than most over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like Aspirin (18.7%) and Ibuprofen (13.7%). The study found that about 20% of treatments could have some mild adverse events like bruising, swelling, pain, and bleeding, but most of these symptoms resolved within 24 hours.

Dry needling treatment can include mild discomfort during the treatment while the needle is inserted. You may feel a twitch response during the treatment, which is the desired goal! This signifies the trigger point releasing and restoration of the muscle to its normal resting tone. You may be sore up to 24 hours after the treatment. You may use ice, heat, and NSAIDs if needed.

Yes! While both treatments aim to treat trigger points, dry needling does not involve an injection of medication into the area. It is called "dry" needling for that reason. Trigger point injections typically inject lidocaine (a numbing agent) into the area. Both are effective for treating trigger points, but dry needling has been shown to have longer-lasting effects and fewer side-effects due to no medicine involved.