What to Expect During Your Dry Needling Therapy Session
What to Expect During Your Dry Needling Therapy Session
Blog Article
Dry needling therapy is a targeted technique used by physiotherapists to address muscle tension, trigger points, and chronic pain. This approach involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific areas of muscle tissue to promote natural healing and muscle release. If you're considering this treatment, understanding what to expect during a dry needling therapy session may help ease any uncertainty.
At the beginning of your session, your physiotherapist will start with a detailed assessment. This includes discussing your symptoms, medical history, and current physical limitations. The goal is to identify which muscles or trigger points may be contributing to your discomfort. Once the evaluation is complete, your therapist will explain the dry needling process and answer any questions you may have.
During the session, your physiotherapist will insert fine, sterile needles into selected areas of tight or knotted muscle, often referred to as myofascial trigger points. Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is rooted in Western anatomy and aims to target specific dysfunctions within the muscle tissue.
You may feel a brief twitch response or a deep ache when the needle activates the trigger point. This response is a sign that the muscle is reacting and beginning to release. While the sensation may be unfamiliar, it is generally short-lived and well-tolerated by most individuals.
Following the needling, some mild soreness in the treated area is common and may last for 24 to 48 hours. This is a natural part of the healing response. Your physiotherapist may suggest light stretching, hydration, or gentle movement to help minimize any post-session discomfort.
Over the next few days, many people report improvements in pain, range of motion, and muscle relaxation. Depending on your condition, dry needling therapy may be used alongside other physiotherapy interventions, such as manual therapy or therapeutic exercise, for a comprehensive approach.
At Family Physiotherapy Edmonton Clinic, our dry needling Edmonton services are part of a tailored plan to address pain, improve function, and help you return to everyday activities with greater ease.
If you’re considering dry needling, book a session with us today and discover how this focused therapy may benefit your recovery.
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