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Dry Needling Technique

Dry needling, sometimes called trigger point dry needling or intramuscular manual therapy is a technique physical therapists use (where allowed by state law) for the treatment of pain and movement impairments, through the use of a fine, filament needle.  The needle allows a physical therapist to target tissues that are not manually palpable.  Dry needling contrasts with the use of a hollow hypodermic needle to inject substances such as saline solution, or corticosteroids to the same point.  Use of a solid “dry” needle has been found to be as effective as injection of substances for relieving pain in muscles and connective tissue.  Specialists who perform dry needling physical therapy supplement that knowledge by obtaining specific postgraduate education and training.  Please note, acupuncture and dry needling techniques may be similar, but their rationale and use in treatment are entirely different.

How does dry needling work?

Dry needling is said to relieve pain via mechanical and biochemical effects from trigger points when local twitch responses, or spinal cord reflexes, are elicited.  Because the needles are so thin, the patient often does not even feel the needle go into the skin, but will quickly feel the relief of the muscle relaxing.  Clinical results are achieved by releasing a shortened muscle, removing a source of irritation, decreasing spontaneous electrical activity (SEA) and promoting healing.   It is typically one technique that’s part of a larger treatment plan, but some patients report a change of signs or symptoms during the first visit.  Some patients do report being sore after the procedure.  Typically, the soreness lasts between a few hours and two days.

What type of problems can dry needling treat?

  • Muscle tightness
  • Sports injuries
  • Neck and back pain
  • Chronic pain syndrome
  • Headaches/migraines related to tension and neuromuscular pain within the cervical spine
  • Pain-related symptoms that have not resolved through traditional therapy treatments related to tension and neuromuscular pain within the cervical spine
  • Pain-related symptoms that have not resolved through traditional treatment methods Is the procedure painful?

Dry Needling practice varies by state’s physical therapy practice act. Please call to verify your Phoenix clinic can provide the service.       

The doctor and assistants are very professional. They show a lot of concern for the injury and recovery. I feel so much better after my visits, they are amazing!

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The entire Phoenix Physical Therapy Team is committed to providing our patients with quality physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy in a safe and healthy clinic environment. We continue to follow the guidance provided by the CDC, WHO and public health officials to update you as new information becomes available. Let’s work together to keep each other safe and healthy.

The safety of our patients, communities and team members remains our top priority. We know you have a choice in your care providers and appreciate your commitment to Phoenix and our qualified clinicians.

Here are the actions we have taken to keep our patients, communities and team healthy & safe:

  • Flexible scheduling allows for social distancing
  • Regular cleaning and sanitation of all clinic surfaces
  • Facemasks must be worn by all Phoenix staff and are recommended for all patients
  • Screening questionnaire and temperature checks prior to entering clinics
  • 6 feet of social distancing throughout the clinics

Keeping Our Clinics Safe

Here are some tips on how we can keep each other safe:

  • Handwashing is your best self-defense against the spread of germs. When soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, use at least a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Please stay home if you are not feeling well, especially if you have a fever, are coughing or sneezing, or are experiencing shortness of breath. If a patient shows up with symptoms, the clinic team will work with them to reschedule.
  • Be vigilant. If you have traveled to any of the countries where there are outbreaks of the virus, please follow guidance from the CDC website and our Travel Guidelines.

Here are actions we are taking to keep our clinics clean and safe:

  • Equipment will be wiped down after EVERY use with antibacterial wipes/sprays
  • All surfaces that patients or staff may touch including door handles, countertops, seating, pens at sign-in, bathroom and all other common areas will be disinfected regularly
  • Treatment tables will be 6 feet apart
  • Team members will wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing their nose, coughing or sneezin
  • Clinics will have hand sanitizer available at the front desk and in the treatment areas
  • Any Phoenix team members who are ill will be asked to stay home
  • We will maintain social distancing between patients in the clinic
  • Caregivers that are bringing a patient to the clinic should wait in their car or come back when the appointment has ended unless necessary (i.e. minor requiring a guardian or for assistance needs)
  • When possible, we will treat patients in private rooms to increase social distancing
  • Any patients that have underlying health issues (i.e. diabetes, respiratory problems, etc.) will be given the option to be seen during special clinic hours or can opt to be treated in a private room away from other clinicians and patients
  • All patients should be self-screening before entering the clinic. Our PCCs will perform a secondary screening during the check-in process and before patients enter the clinic including a screening questionnaire and temperature check.
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