April 6, 2018 at 4:47 p.m.

Dry needling another option for those suffering from chronic pain

Dry needling another option for those suffering from chronic pain
Dry needling another option for those suffering from chronic pain

Being stuck with needles sounds painful. But for certain conditions, a trained physical therapist or pain management specialist can use dry needling to relieve muscular or migraine pain in just a few treatments, according to press release from Ascension Rehabilitation in Rhinelander.

"During this safe and minimally invasive procedure, specialists insert a filament-thin needle into muscles and connective tissues to reach trigger points deep beneath the surface of the skin," the release states.

"Trigger point dry needling is an effective treatment to combat musculoskeletal pain and restore range-of-motion," said Gerad Donahue, a physical therapist specially trained in dry needling with Ascension Rehabilitation in Rhinelander. Research suggests the process releases chemicals known as inflammatory mediators, which unlock pain and allow muscles to move freely."

Dry needling, along with other physical therapy modalities, manual therapy and exercise can be an effective treatment for chronic pain, headaches, whiplash acute injuries as well as for improved range of motion and chronic post-operative pain and immobility, the release states.

But for some, dry needling can be a more effective way to reach affected areas when compared to manipulative therapy.

"Most patients don't even feel the needle as it is inserted. Some people report a cramping sensation when the needle reaches the trigger point that is being treated," said Donahue. "After treatment, there may be some muscle tenderness but it can result in immediate pain relief and improved mobility."

Based on condition, severity and duration of pain, this type of instrument-assisted manual therapy may be an effective solution for people six years old and older who experience pain caused by an acute injury or a chronic condition, the release states. Dry needling can also increase mobility and blood flow to muscles and connecting tissues, relax muscles by decreasing muscle tightness while also decreasing inflammation in surrounding tissues.

While the needles used during the procedure may resemble those used for acupuncture, dry needling is different in purpose and method, the release states.

Dry needling stimulates the muscle to restore normal tissue function when used as part of a complete physical-therapy-wellness plan.

For more information about dry needling or to make an appointment, call Ascension Rehabilitation Services at 888-843-1367.

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