99 Cracker Barrel Drive, Suite 200
Barboursville, WV 25504
(304) 733-4616
Dry Needling Services
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a specific treatment performed by trained professionals (mostly Chiropractors and PTs) targeting trigger points and associated tight bands of muscles and other painful soft tissues such as fascia, tendons, and ligaments.
A trigger point is a localized, hyper-irritable spot within a tight band of muscle fibers. Trigger points can be found throughout the body and play a role in producing and sustaining pain and discomfort. They develop in a muscle for various reasons including referred or local pain, inflammation or injury including micro trauma from repetitive use.
The needles used are the same solid filament, very fine needles used to perform acupuncture. They are not hollow and cannot inject anything into the body - that’s where the term “dry needling” comes from.
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How it Works:
The mechanical stimulation of the muscle produces a rapid depolarization of muscle fibers. This dramatically reduces muscle activity and causes relaxation. It further creates a “down regulation” through the nervous system. The reduced muscle tension will remove compression on joints, nerve, and vascular tissue - further reducing pain. It is theorized that Dry Needling also stimulates release of endogenous opioids and initiates a new healing process.
Is it Safe?
We go to great lengths to ensure safety. This begins with a review of the patient history and all contraindications such as clotting abnormalities. Our physicians have completed post-graduate courses and passed their certification exams. Additional post graduate courses providing extensive training in diagnosing and treating “soft tissue” conditions and knowledge of the anatomy involved have been completed. This expertise combined with high-quality equipment support our very high standard of safety.
How Does it Feel?
The needles used are so thin that most patients feel a light, sharp pain with the “stick”. Patients may also feel some level of dull pain while the needles are in place. The more “active” a trigger point is, the more you may feel and typically the more effective the treatment will be.
What Can it Treat?
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Osteoarthritis of the spine and extremities
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Neck pain and whiplash
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Mid and low back pain
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Headaches and TMJ
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Rotator cuff issues, frozen shoulder
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Achilles tendinitis & plantar fasciitis
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Hip pain
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Tennis or golfers elbow
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Athletic injuries
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Overuse & repetitive stress injuries