Functional Dry Needling

Dry Needling in Physical Therapy

Vail-Summit Physical Therapy utilizes and specializes in dry needling to treat patients struggling with pain and impaired movements. As known as trigger point dry needling, dry needling can stimulate damaged or strained tissue without injecting medication.

What is Dry Needling Therapy?

Dry needling is not acupuncture. While acupuncture focuses on stimulating nerves, dry needling starts with the physical therapist identifying trigger points in the body. These include sections of muscle that are contracted or tight, which can cause the following symptoms:

• Pain or tenderness

• Restricted range of motion

• Limited muscle function

• Decreased blow flow

Using a sterile, thin needle, our team at Vail-Summit Physical Therapy can target those trigger points, relaxing the muscle and reducing pain. In our Summit and Eagle County clinics, dry needling therapy is often used to treat the following:

• Muscle pain

• Tendonitis

• Plantar Fasciitis

• Sprains, strains, and impingement

• Joint issues

• Disk problems

• Migraines

• Jaw and mouth disorders

• Pinched nerves, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Spinal problems

• Pain in the pelvis

• Cramps

• Whiplash

The placement and length of the dry needle are based on an orthopaedic evaluation, including the patient's:

• Pain patterns

• Medical history

• Posture

• Movement impairments

These evaluations and the dry needling therapy is always performed by one of our professional physical therapist who is certified in dry needling.

What to Know About Dry Needling: Pros and Cons

Dry needling is a therapeutic procedure based on science and has proven outcomes. It is a short, 15-minute procedure that, when used alongside other rehab strategies, has several benefits for the patient. The pros of dry needling are to:

• Improving muscle mobility

• Reduce pain

• Restore function

• Improve mobility

• Reduce inflammation

• Improve recovery time from injuries, such as stress fractures and impingement

• Stimulate tissue repair

There are very few side effects from dry needling. Some patients experience bruising at the needle site, soreness, and fatigue.

However, dry needling is not for everyone, nor is it covered by all insurances. Patients who should avoid dry needling therapy include:

• Pregnant individuals

• Patients with bleeding disorders

• Patients taking blood thinners

• Individuals with a fear of needles

• Patients who’ve had a recent surgery

Anyone interested in therapeutic dry needling should consult with a healthcare professional first. Our team at Vail-Summit Physical Therapy will only recommend procedures that are right for the patient.

Therapeutic Dry Needling Near Me

If you’re looking for dry needling near you, look no further than Vail-Summit Physical Therapy. Located in Summit County, Colorado, our team of physical therapists treats patients in four convenient clinic locations in Edwards, Frisco, Silverthorne, and Breckenridge.

Contact our offices today to find out if therapeutic dry needling is right for y