If the same tight spot in your neck, shoulder or back keeps coming back no matter how much you stretch it, it may be a trigger point: a tight, tender knot in the muscle that can also send pain to other areas. Dry needling goes straight to that spot. At Laurel Park Chiropractic Center in Hendersonville, it’s done by Dr. Laura DeBusk.
Dry needling uses very thin, solid needles placed into or near trigger points in a muscle. It’s called “dry” because nothing is injected. When the needle reaches a trigger point, the muscle often gives a quick twitch, which can be a good sign it’s responding. Stimulating the trigger point helps bring blood flow back to the area, which can ease tightness and reduce pain, both at the knot and in the spots where you feel it. The needles are single-use and sterile, and they’re thrown away after your session.
Dry needling is used for muscle pain and movement problems tied to trigger points. Releasing those knots may help:
Cleveland Clinic notes that dry needling is usually one part of a larger treatment plan that can include exercise, stretching and other techniques. It isn’t right for everyone, so a provider should review your medical history and examine you before recommending it. If you’re pregnant or have other health conditions, check with your physician first.
It can, and it’s better to know that going in. You may not feel the needle go in at all, or you may feel a small prick. When the needle reaches a trigger point, it can be painful and the muscle may twitch.
Soreness afterward is common. According to Cleveland Clinic, it can last 24 to 36 hours, and some people get a bruise that can last up to a week. Cleveland Clinic advises drinking plenty of water and keeping moving afterward. Dry needling is generally considered safe when a trained provider does it, and serious side effects are rare. It isn’t recommended for children under 12.
The needles are the same kind, but the thinking behind them is different. Acupuncture comes from traditional Eastern medicine and is used for muscle and joint pain as well as other parts of the body. Dry needling comes from Western medicine. It’s based on an exam of your pain patterns, posture and movement, and it targets the muscle itself to release trigger points, reduce pain and help you move better.
Dr. Laura DeBusk, DC, MDNC, does dry needling at our Hendersonville office. She has a background in orthopedics and athletic training and years of hands-on experience with athletes and active people. Along with dry needling, she offers instrument-assisted soft tissue work (IASTM) and several adjusting techniques, including diversified, Thompson Drop and Activator. You can read more about Dr. Laura on our About page.
Want to find out whether dry needling is right for that stubborn knot? Schedule online or call us at (828) 696-9090. We’re at 212 S Grove St, Suite D, in Hendersonville.
"Your chiropractic care has truly opened my eyes to a whole new way of feeling! It’s like I’m on this healing journey with my body, and I’m finally able to connect with my true self. It’s been amazing, Doc! Now, I’m just curious about how to maintain this great feeling and continue improving if I choose to. That’s what I appreciate about your approach to wellness!"
Sara Smith
"Your chiropractic care has truly opened my eyes to a whole new way of feeling! It’s like I’m on this healing journey with my body, and I’m finally able to connect with my true self. It’s been amazing, Doc! Now, I’m just curious about how to maintain this great feeling and continue improving if I choose to. That’s what I appreciate about your approach to wellness!"
Steve Smith
"Your chiropractic care has truly opened my eyes to a whole new way of feeling! It’s like I’m on this healing journey with my body, and I’m finally able to connect with my true self. It’s been amazing, Doc! Now, I’m just curious about how to maintain this great feeling and continue improving if I choose to. That’s what I appreciate about your approach to wellness!"
Travis
