Dry needling is natural therapy used to reduce pain, increase mobility, decrease muscle tension, and speed up your healing. Dr. Jon, doctor of chiropractic at Valeo Health and Wellness in Eden Prairie, has used dry needling successfully while addressing:
- Shoulder pain
- Headaches
- Knee pain
- Achilles tendonitis
- Sciatica
- Plantar fasciitis
- Hip and gluteal pain
- Muscle pain
- Trigger points
Dry needling involves using very small needles placed strategically in muscle or connective tissue. Insertion of the needle in the specific location is meant to elicit a response from your body.
We know what you’re thinking: does it hurt? Most people do not even feel the needles. However, your brain senses the “trauma” caused by the needles and then you can tap into your body’s natural healing mechanisms through increased blood flow to the area and the release of pain-reducing endorphins and chemicals that move you through the inflammation process faster.
Even though we use the same needles as in acupuncture, it is important to note that these are different treatments. Acupuncture is a practice based on traditional Chinese medicine and performed by acupuncturists. Dry needling focuses on specific areas of the body, usually trigger points found in muscles. Trigger points are also called ‘knots’ and are usually tender when you touch them. They may even cause widespread pain in other areas of the body and not just the muscle in which it’s found.
Benefits of Dry Needling
- Conservative, minimally invasive approach
- Reduces pain
- Improves muscle extensibility and contractility
- Promotes blood flow to targeted areas of the body
- Kick-starts healing process in parts of the body that other treatments haven’t been successful in treating
Dry Needling Therapy in Eden Prairie
Dr. Jon has been dry needling for over 10 years and has seen significant results, even allowing professional athlete patients to continue to compete while managing injuries. Recent research studies have shown even better results when dry needling is used in combination with electrical stimulation — another therapy we offer at Valeo.
Typically, treatment involves 3 – 8 sessions, depending on the target area. When combined with other manual therapies, adjustments, and exercises, dry needling is a great alternative and natural strategy for managing injuries and chronic conditions.
If you’d like to learn more about dry needling, ask your doctor at your next appointment or contact us.
