Dry needling north canton is a therapeutic technique that involves a physical therapist placing sterile needles in tight, painful parts of the muscle or along the pathways of sensitive nerves. This causes the muscle to relax and releases chemicals that improve pain, mobility, and function. The treatment is a powerful adjunct to other therapies, such as manual therapy and massage.
Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is based on modern scientific study of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. Both treatments use thin needles to penetrate the skin. However, they have very different effects. Acupuncture balances and restores healing energy, while dry needling stimulates a twitch response in the muscle tissue to relieve pain and improve movement.
The needles used in dry needling are similar to those of a medical syringe or sewing needle, but are much thinner. You may feel a slight pin prick or soreness when the therapist inserts the needle into your muscles. You may also feel a brief spasm in the muscle, which is a good sign that the needle is working.
A physical therapist will evaluate you to determine if dry needling is right for you. If you are a candidate, they will explain how the treatment works and take a history of your symptoms. They will then perform a physical exam in a private room or curtained-off section of the treatment area.
The benefits of dry needling include pain relief, improved mobility, and reduced stiffness. The treatment can also reduce the need for pain medications or more invasive procedures. While research on dry needling is still limited, some studies show positive results. Check with your health insurance provider to learn if the treatment is covered.