Treatment Method

Dry Needling Therapy

Dry Needling Therapy being provided in the Atlanta Metro Area

Summary

About Dry Needling

Back in the Game Physical Therapy offers dry needling treatments, which are used to treat pain and dysfunction.  It is a technique performed by Physical Therapists using a single-use, sterile, thin, dry (without drug or substance) needle.  Our therapists practice Dynamic Dry Needling (DIN) and match the appropriate needling technique to the individual needs of the patient, based on a thorough evaluation and use of clinical reasoning and experience. 


Looking for Dry needling in the Atlanta Metro Area? Look no further than BIG PT, we are here to help!


How does it work?

Imaging of the brain has shown insertion of needles stimulates areas in the brain that are responsible for pain control.  Our clinical experience has shown dry needling to be very beneficial in treating many musculoskeletal conditions, such as: TMJ disorders, cervicogenic headaches, low back pain, lateral epicondylitis, plantar fasciitis, shoulder and knee pain, and many other diagnoses.  The use of electrical stimulation is sometimes used with the needles to help treat the condition.   Typically, dry needling isn’t a stand-alone treatment but is used in conjunction with manual therapy, exercises, and other treatment options.  Our focus with dry needling is on physiological healing, layered analgesic mechanisms, myofascial pain and dysfunction, and physiological systemic responses. 


How painful is it? 

You may feel some discomfort during needling, but communication with your therapist can help minimize discomfort.  Sometimes, patients report they do not feel the needle insertion.  We have found that most patients request dry needling again, since it wasn’t uncomfortable, and they experienced relief. 


How safe is it? 

Our extensive experience with dry needling is that it is very safe.  Serious side effects are extremely rare.  Bruising and tenderness at the site are the most common reports after dry needling. 


How is it different from Acupuncture? 

We respect acupuncture which focuses on Traditional Chinese medicine and the concepts that go along with it. Dry needling is focused on Western medical diagnosis and the use of clinical neurophysiology and scientific understanding of human anatomy.  The fundamental training and clinical reasoning of acupuncturist and physical therapist dry needle practitioners are very different. 


How long is a treatment? 

A typical treatment session lasts from 10 to 30 minutes depending on the condition being treated.   


Are there any scientific studies supporting the effectiveness of dry needling?         

-Vickers et al (2018). Pain. May; 19(5): 455–474


How many body parts can I treat in one session? 

Our experience has shown that the effectiveness of this treatment is best when a reasonable amount of dosage (needles, time, depth, stimulation) is used to achieve a desired outcome.  More isn’t always better.   


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Symptoms Dry Needling Helps

  • Acute and Chronic Tendonitis
  • Post-Traumatic Injuries
  • Sports and Work Related Injuries
• Headache and Neck pain
• Lower Back Pain
  • Chronic Pains

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