Trigger Point Dry Needling Therapy

Advanced Therapy for Treating Chronic Pain and Muscle Tightness

At Brewer Physical Therapy, licensed physical therapists offer a procedure called dry needling, which is also known as intramuscular stimulation (IMS) and trigger point dry needling (TDN). Trigger points are uncomfortable knots that can form in overworked muscles. They are a common cause of pain and muscle tightness. Dry needling involves inserting a very thin-filament needle into a sore location on a muscle in order to "trigger" a contract/relax reaction. Thus, the sore location draws in oxygenated blood to alleviate muscle tension and improve healing.. Amanda Brewer, DPT, and Adam Brewer, DPT, were actually the first physical therapists in Louisiana to offer trigger point dry needling.

Other treatment modalities and manual therapy are often used in conjunction with trigger point dry needling therapy.

Physical therapists may use dry needling to treat some of the following conditions:

• Musculoskeletal pain
  • This includes back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain
• Sports injuries
  • This includes muscle strains and tendonitis
• Chronic pain conditions
  • Some examples: fibromyalgia and arthritis
• Headaches and migraines
• Plantar fasciitis
• Tennis elbow
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Sciatica
• Knee pain
• Nerve disorders
• TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint disorder)
• And many others

 

Check out what our Doctors of Physical Therapy have to say about the advantages of dry needling.

• “I've found that using dry needling helps me relieve my patients' discomfort more quickly.”

 

• “According to my patients, the addition of dry needling significantly improved their pain relief.”

 

• “Within one to two dry needling sessions, many patients experience notable improvement in their symptoms.”

 

• “Dry needling, which can access deeper muscles that might be to blame for chronic pain, has the ability to drastically reduce patients' pain rapidly, and sometimes more effectively.”

 

Trigger Point Dry Needling FAQs:

Is dry needling painful?

Dry needling is generally not painful, but some people may experience a slight pinch as the needle is inserted. It is common to feel sore or tired after the treatment, but this should resolve within a few days.

Is dry needling safe?

Dry needling is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and certified physical therapist. Proper sterilization and safety protocols also minimizes the small risk of infection or injury from the needles.

How long does a dry needling treatment take?

A dry needling treatment can vary from 10-60 minutes. The number of needles used and the duration of the treatment will depend on the specific condition being treated and the goals of the treatment.

Can I exercise after dry needling?

Yes! We advise you to resume your regular routines and engage in some exercise after dry needling. Don’t forget to stay hydrated as well!

How many dry needling treatments will I need?

We will determine the number of dry needling treatments needed based on the specific condition being treated and the individual's response to the treatment. Some people may experience significant improvement after just one or two treatments, while others may require multiple treatments over a longer period of time. Your physical therapist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your specific needs and goals.

 

Brewer Physical therapy makes Trigger Point Dry Needling Therapy available to you in Shreveport, Bossier City & Minden, LA.

 

For more information about trigger point dry needling therapy or to schedule an appointment, call Brewer Physical Therapy in Shreveport at (318) 222-8892, in Bossier City at (318) 747-8892 and in Minden at (318) 639-9536. You can also schedule your appointment online now.