Dry needling is a popular and effective treatment option for chronic musculoskeletal pain. It works by inserting thin needles into trigger points in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments to reduce tension and improve function. But do you know how often you should get dry needling treatments? Read on to learn more about what frequency of dry needling sessions is best for you.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a type of therapy used to treat various types of chronic musculoskeletal pain. It involves inserting thin needles into trigger points in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This helps to reduce tension and improve function by releasing tightness and increasing circulation in the area. Dry needling can be used as an alternative or complement to other treatment options such as massage and stretching. It is a safe and effective way to manage chronic musculoskeletal pain with minimal side effects or discomfort. Dry needling can also help reduce inflammation, improve mobility, minimize scar tissue formation, and decrease muscle spasms associated with many conditions.
How Often Should You Get Dry Needling Treatments?
The frequency of dry needling treatments will depend on each individual’s unique needs and goals. Generally, it is recommended that you get dry needling treatments frequently to begin; up to 6 visits over 3 weeks, and then back off to every two to four weeks for the best results. However, if your condition improves quickly with treatment, fewer visits may be necessary. Additionally, if the symptoms return soon after an initial session, more frequent treatments may be needed. Your doctor or physical therapist can help you decide how often you should get dry needling depending on your particular situation and goals.
Generally Recommended Frequency
It is generally recommended that you get dry needling treatments every two to four weeks for the best results, although more frequently in the beginning. This frequency allows your muscles, tendons, and ligaments time to recover and helps maintain the effects of the treatment over time. Additionally, regular treatments can help prevent symptoms from returning or worsening after an initial session.
If Symptoms Improve Quickly
If your condition improves quickly with treatment then fewer dry needling sessions may be necessary. In this case, it is important to discuss with your chiropractic doctor how often you should continue treatment in order to maintain the results achieved and prevent symptoms from returning or worsening. Depending on your particular situation, your doctor may suggest continuing dry needling treatments every four to six weeks.
If Symptoms Return Soon After an Initial Session
If you experience symptoms returning soon after an initial session, more frequent dry-needling treatments may be necessary. This will help reduce tension and improve function by releasing tightness and increasing circulation in the area. Your doctor can help you decide how often you should get dry needling depending on your particular situation and goals. They may suggest a treatment plan with more frequent sessions until the symptoms are resolved, followed by maintenance visits every four to six weeks afterward.
Benefits of Regular Dry Needling Treatments
Regular dry needling treatments can provide a variety of physical and psychological benefits. It can help reduce inflammation and pain, improve mobility, minimize scar tissue formation, and decrease muscle spasms associated with many conditions. Additionally, it can help relieve pain and other symptoms associated with chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as fibromyalgia or sciatica. Dry needling can also be used to improve posture and enhance the body’s overall performance in sports or activities.
Summary
In conclusion, dry needling is a safe and effective treatment for chronic musculoskeletal pain with minimal side effects or discomfort. It can help reduce inflammation and pain, improve mobility, minimize scar tissue formation, and decrease muscle spasms associated with many conditions. The frequency of treatments should be determined by your chiropractor depending on your particular situation and goals. Regular dry needling sessions can provide a variety of physical and psychological benefits including relief from pain and other symptoms associated with chronic musculoskeletal conditions. With the help of an experienced practitioner, you can realize the full potential of this form of therapy.
If you’re interested in seeing a chiropractor or dry needling, visit us at one of our offices in Erie or in Longmont. The Chiropractic Center of Erie and Chiropractic Center of Longmont treat the body holistically with our award-winning treatment process, in fact, we have been voted “Best of the West” eleven times and our aim is to help your body achieve and maintain optimal performance.
We specialize in treating patients suffering from spinal pain and many other maladies and have helped several patients find relief without needing surgery. If you’d like to learn more about chiropractic care in Longmont or Erie or have questions about what to expect during your first chiropractor visit in Erie or Longmont, call our offices today at 303-828-3000 or 303-772-1950!
