Dry needling is a form of physical therapy that involves inserting thin needles into the skin to stimulate specific points on the body. This technique is often used to treat conditions such as chronic pain, muscle tension, and injuries. Here are a few benefits of dry needling that make it an effective form of treatment:

1. Reduces muscle tension: Dry needling targets trigger points, which are areas of muscle tension that can cause pain and discomfort. By inserting needles into these points, the therapist is able to release the tension and relax the muscle, reducing pain and improving range of motion. A study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT) (Fernández-Carnero et al.,2018) found that dry needling was effective in reducing pain and muscle tension in patients with myofascial pain syndrome.
2. Improves blood flow: Dry needling can stimulate blood flow to the affected area, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the tissue to promote healing. This increased blood flow can also help reduce inflammation and swelling. A study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science (Kim et al., 2015) found that dry needling improved blood flow and reduced muscle soreness in individuals with delayed onset muscle soreness.
3. Accelerates healing: Dry needling can also help to speed up the healing process by releasing endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. These endorphins can help to reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing. A systematic review published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (Baldry et al., 2018) found that dry needling was effective in reducing pain and improving function in individuals with musculoskeletal conditions.
4. Non-invasive treatment: Unlike other forms of physical therapy that may involve invasive procedures, dry needling is a non-invasive treatment. There is minimal pain associated with the procedure and typically no side effects. A study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies (Kim et al., 2017) found that dry needling was well-tolerated with minimal side effects.
5. Can be used in conjunction with other therapies: Dry needling can be used in conjunction with other forms of physical therapy, such as massage and stretching, to achieve optimal results. A study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science (Karst et al., 2017) found that dry needling combined with exercise was more effective in reducing pain and improving function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis than exercise alone.

Dry Needling Near Los Fresnos

Watch below to see dry needling at work in our office. In this case we were focusing on addressing trigger points in the Levator Scapulae.