Dry Needling Therapy
Dry Needling
Treating Pain with Dry Needling
Dry needling is a skilled technique performed by a physical therapist using filiform needles to penetrate the skin and/or underlying tissues to affect change in
body structures and functions. Dry needling is utilized for the evaluation and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, pain, movement impairments, and disability. (Humbro Study, 2015)
Dry needling is a procedural intervention used by physical therapists (PT) to treat pain, functional impairments, and disabilities. The technique involves the insertion of solid filament needles into the skin and underlying tissue to disrupt pain sensory pathways and relax contracted fibers
(Dommerholt, & Fernández-de-las-Peñas, 2013).
Indications or Purpose:
reduction of pain, reduction of muscle tension, increase tissue mobility
Risk Factors:
soreness, bruising, bleeding, puncture underlying organs (blood vessels/arteries, nerves, lung), pneumothorax (lung puncture), infection, sympathetic response (increased heart rate, erythema, anxiousness)
