Dry Needling

While there is some pain associated with dry needling, it is not because of the needles themselves. The filament needles used in the treatment are extremely thin, and it is rare to feel more than a mild sting. However, some people do feel pain from the “twitch response”, or quick contraction of the muscle as it relaxes. After treatment, there may be mild bruising or soreness but no pain.

Back pain can be caused by a range of issues and is often the result of multiple factors that have compounded over time. This is why physical therapy uses a range of techniques to ensure the root cause of problems is addressed. Dry needling can be a useful adjunct to treatment to address muscle weakness, regulate pain, and relax muscles under tension.

If a physical therapist identifies an area on the back that is very tight or contracted, dry needling can be used on that trigger point. The needle can stimulate the muscle and increase blood flow, which can ease the contraction. This could lead to immediate relief from pain or the ability to heal properly with further physical therapy.

Dry needling can also be used to increase muscle recruitment in a weak muscle, such as the thigh muscle after having an ACL repair. In a similar way, inserting the needle can activate the muscle and be an effective way to transition into strengthening.

It is recommended to wait at least 24 to 48 hours after dry needling to perform any strenuous exercise, as the muscles and soft tissues may be sore and need time to return to a healthy state. You should always speak with your physical therapist about exercising after dry needling.

Generally, you should be okay to get dry needling even if you are feeling under the weather. But keep in mind that side effects can include temporary nausea, tiredness, or a “loopy” feeling which may exacerbate any symptoms of other illnesses. If you are unsure whether it is wise to get dry needling done, call your physical therapist before your appointment and tell them how you are feeling.

There are several courses and organizations that certify Licensed Physical Therapists to perform Dry Needling. Some techniques are different than others, so it may be beneficial to talk to your provider about the specific training they had.

Most reputable providers of dry needling are also physical therapists who use the treatment as a part of their practice. You can use the directory from the American Physical Therapy Association to begin a search.

For most people, dry needling is a part of an overall physical therapy practice and not a standalone treatment. This may mean it’s covered by insurance as well. The benefits of reduced pain, improved function, and increased mobility are usually worth even the out-of-pocket cost for dry needling sessions. Because it can increase the effectiveness of physical therapy, adding sessions may also increase the value derived from overall treatment plans as well.

The cost of dry needling will vary based on your location, provider, and insurance coverage. You should also consider whether the session is part of a package of services, is a single session, or requires a follow-up.

The average cost of dry needling is about $60 per session, and most physical therapists will recommend 3 to 6 sessions. However, this will usually be part of a treatment plan and used in conjunction with other services, so it may not be itemized in this way.

Dry needling is very often confused for acupuncture, as both use very thin needles inserted throughout the body and therefore evoke the same image. However, the intent of both practices, as well as the origins, differ greatly.

Acupuncture is an ancient Asian practice that is still used today. The underlying belief in acupuncture is that illness results from a blocked or interrupted Chi. The Chi provides your body with healing energy, and acupuncture removes these blockages to restore your energy flow to the balanced state necessary for health. Each needle is placed along the meridian line of the body meticulously in order to achieve this.

In contrast, dry needling is based on scientific principles. Each needle is placed within a knot or trigger point in order to stimulate the muscles and release tension. Dry needling is used specifically to treat pain and other musculoskeletal problems rather than overall health.

In the United States, dry needling is prohibited in six states: California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, and Oregon. Eight other states have no policy allowing or prohibiting the practice. The other 36 states, and Washington D.C., all allow the practice.