All You Need To Know About Dry Needling in Columbus, Ohio
Recovering from an injury can be a frustrating process. You are mentally ready to get back in the game but your body may have other plans. If you are dealing with lingering pain that affects your daily routine and ability to meet your athletic goals, physical therapy offers a number of treatments to help you gain back your strength, mobility, and reduce your pain. A popular and effective pain management treatment that may be appropriate for your recovery is dry needling. Luckily, Peak Physiotherapy and Performance has got you all of your body aches and pains covered with dry needling in Columbus, Ohio.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry Needling is a technique using thin monofilament needles that are inserted into various trigger points throughout your body. It is referred to as “dry” needling because there is nothing being injected into your skin other than the needle itself. The technique is used in muscles and tissue to stimulate certain areas that may be causing trouble for the patient. Dry needling is often used as part of a complete physical therapy approach in treating patient’s injuries and pain. Dry needling is sometimes confused with acupuncture, however, the techniques used and their purposes are very different. Dry needling is a development in western medicine based in science and research for managing pain related to muscles and tissue damage.
During a dry needling session, your physical therapist will insert a thin monofilament needle for a period of time targeting the specific muscular and connective tissue where you are experiencing restriction, pain, or discomfort.
What Conditions Does Dry Needling Treat?
Dry needling is mostly used to stimulate muscles and tissues to help release tension or knots that may be causing pain and discomfort in a patient. Patients attribute dry needling with a reduction in pain, increased flexibility, and range of motion, as well as reduced inflammation and faster recovery time.
Patients experience pain and tension in their muscles and tissue from a number of conditions including:
- Sports Injury
- Muscle Soreness
- Muscular pain due to strains and sprains
- Tightness in Muscles
- Limited Range of Motion
- Overuse/Overtraining
Does It Hurt?
When patients first consider implementing dry needling in Columbus, Ohio into their physical therapy regimen their first question is often, “Does it hurt?” Every patient experience is different when it comes to dry needling, however, the pain or discomfort often associated with this technique is not what you may think. While the insertion of the needle is noticeable and may cause a stinging feeling, the pain or discomfort that patients often feel is related to the sudden release of tension that exists in the muscle or tissue that is causing them trouble. Some patients may feel pain momentarily which is then often followed by relief.
What Should I Expect To Feel After?
In the hours and days following a dry needling session patients will often experience some levels of soreness in the areas that have been treated. In some patients, some bruising may occur following a dry needling therapy session. Some patients may experience immediately noticeable pain relief in the afflicted areas as well as improved mobility following just one session, however, oftentimes patients will notice more dramatic benefits following a series of sessions targeting the trouble spots.
Where Can You Find Dry Needling in Columbus, Ohio?
At Peak Physiotherapy and Performance we offer dry needling in Columbus, Ohio as part of a comprehensive physical therapy program to help you manage your pain and set you on a path to a quick recovery. Dr. Junak is an expert in dry needling techniques and the successful treatment of pain for adults engaged in an active lifestyle. Contact us for a free phone consultation to discuss the pain you are experiencing and how we can help you find the relief you need.
About the Author
Dr. Andrew Junak is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Board-Certified Orthopedic Specialist. Dr. Junak received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Walsh University and completed his Orthopedic Specialist training at the Cleveland Clinic. He is the owner of Peak Physiotherapy and Performance, a physical therapy clinic in Canal Winchester, Ohio. He serves the local communities of Lancaster, Grove City, Blacklick, Pickerington, and Columbus. Dr. Junak is passionate about helping people solve their problems in order to get them back to doing the things they love.