What is Dry Needling?
Dr. Michael and the dedicated team at Richmond Family Chiropractic are pleased to offer dry needling as a safe and effective treatment option for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. This therapy involves the precise insertion of thin, sterile needles into muscle trigger points, which are localized areas of tight, inflamed, and dysfunctional muscle tissue. These trigger points often develop because of injury, overuse of a single muscle or joint, or poor movement biomechanics. Trigger points can disrupt muscle function, limit range of motion, and cause pain and tenderness. Dry needling is aimed at alleviating these symptoms by stimulating sensory nerves which may help disrupt the pain cycle and reduce pain signals, help relax tight muscles and improve flexibility and range of motion as well as increase local blood flow to the treated area, which may promote tissue healing and reduce inflammation. Patients often experience immediate relief following a dry needling session. The duration of needle placement typically ranges from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the patient's condition and treatment goals.
In addition to traditional dry needling, Dr. Michael may incorporate electrical stimulation into the treatment process. Dry needling with electrical stimulation, also known as electroacupuncture, combines the traditional dry needling technique with the application of a low-level electrical current to the inserted needles. This current induces a "twitch response" in the muscle, which is essentially a small, involuntary muscle contraction. Dry needling with electrical stimulation can be particularly beneficial for retraining dysfunctional muscles by targeting specific muscles and using the electrical current to retrain them to fire properly. Many dysfunctional muscles can become trapped in a pain-spasm cycle. When a muscle is injured or inflamed, it releases biochemicals (cytokines, neuropeptides, growth factors and neurotransmitters) and in response, the muscle may spasm to protect itself, which further perpetuates the cycle of pain and dysfunction. In addition to improving muscle function, dry needling with electrical stimulation has been shown to reduce pain by increasing blood flow to the treated area and promoting the release of endorphins (natural pain-relieving chemicals) and can help reduce the release of pain-related biochemicals (cytokines, neuropeptides, growth factors and neurotransmitters) in the body, thus reducing the perception of pain. Dry needling with electrical stimulation can help promote tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and decrease muscle tone in muscles that are in spasm. The application of electrical stimulation can further increase pain tolerance, making the treatment more comfortable for patients.
Overall dry needling with electrical stimulation can help increase local blood flow, improve tissue flexibility, and increase range of motion in affected joints and muscles. These benefits can aid in the healing process and help manage symptoms during the recovery period. Many patients find that combining dry needling with electrical stimulation not only enhances the immediate effects of the treatment but also helps prolong its benefits over time.
If you have any questions or if you're wondering whether Dr. Michael and Richmond Family Chiropractic can assist you with your needs, please don't hesitate to contact us at 832-500-4541. Our team is here to provide you with the information you need and help you determine the best course of action for your health and wellness.
