Treatment
Dry Needling
Dry needling in Rocky Hill, CT as part of individualized physical therapy for muscle pain, tightness and movement limitations. Schedule an evaluation at Apex Physical Therapy.
Dry Needling in Rocky Hill, CT
Dry needling is a treatment technique that may be incorporated into an individualized physical therapy program for certain musculoskeletal conditions. At Apex Physical Therapy in Rocky Hill, CT, dry needling may be used when appropriate to address muscle pain, tightness, trigger points and movement limitations.
During dry needling, a thin, solid filament needle is inserted into selected areas of muscle or soft tissue based on findings from your physical therapy evaluation. Dry needling is generally used together with other physical therapy treatments such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, mobility work and movement retraining rather than as a stand-alone treatment.
How Dry Needling May Be Used in Physical Therapy
Dry needling may be used as one component of a broader physical therapy program when muscle pain, tightness or trigger points are contributing to movement limitations. Treatment may be combined with therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, stretching, strengthening and movement retraining based on your individual evaluation.
Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture
Dry needling and acupuncture both use thin, solid filament needles, but they are based on different evaluation and treatment approaches. In physical therapy, dry needling is typically used as part of a musculoskeletal assessment and rehabilitation program to address specific muscles, soft tissues and movement impairments.
When May Dry Needling Be Considered?
Depending on the findings of your physical therapy evaluation, dry needling may be considered as part of treatment for certain musculoskeletal problems, including:
- Neck and shoulder muscle pain
- Back and hip muscle pain
- Muscle tightness and trigger points
- Sports-related muscle strains
- Overuse injuries
- Restricted movement associated with muscle tightness
- Selected tendon and soft-tissue conditions
Dry needling is not appropriate for every patient or every condition. Your physical therapist will determine whether it is appropriate based on your examination, medical history and treatment goals.