Dry needling is a form of treatment that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points in the body known as trigger points. These trigger points are areas of muscle tissue that have become tight, knotted, and painful due to injury, overuse, or poor posture. Dry needling is used to relieve pain, improve muscle function, and promote healing in these areas.
After a dry needling session, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure the treatment is effective and prevent complications. Here are some things you should do after dry needling.
1. Rest and avoid strenuous activity
After dry needling, it is important to rest and avoid any strenuous activity for at least 24 hours. This is because the needles used in dry needling cause small trauma to the muscle tissue, which can lead to soreness and inflammation. Resting allows the body to heal and recover from the treatment.
2. Drink plenty of water
Drinking plenty of water after dry needling is essential to help flush out any toxins and waste products that may have been released during the treatment. This will also help to reduce any muscle soreness and inflammation.
3. Apply mild to moderate heat over sore areas
Applying heat to the treated area has recently been shown to speed up healing. Moist heat is most effective and will increase circulation and relaxation to the area which in turn moves toxins and inflammation out of the area
4. Stretching and Range of Motion Exercises
Mild to moderate stretching and moving the affected muscles and joints through ranges of motion will help in the healing process; plus help remove lactic acid and other toxins or swelling from the involved areas.
5. Follow your Chiropractor’s instructions
Your Chiropractor will give you instructions on how to care for yourself after dry needling. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure the treatment is effective and prevents complications.
6. Avoid alcohol and caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate the body and interfere with the healing process. It is best to avoid these substances for at least 24 hours after dry needling.
7. Follow a healthy diet
Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains can help to promote healing and reduce inflammation. Avoid processed foods and foods high in sugar, as these can interfere with the healing process.
8. Continue with your exercises
Dry needling is often used with other exercises to improve muscle function and promote healing. It is important to continue with your physical therapy exercises as directed by your Chiropractor.
9. Schedule follow-up appointments
Your Chiropractor may schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed. It is important to attend these appointments to ensure the treatment is effective and prevents complications.
Summary
In conclusion, dry needling is a highly effective form of physical therapy that can relieve pain, improve muscle function, and promote healing. However, it is important to follow certain guidelines after a dry needling session to ensure the treatment is effective and prevents complications. Resting, drinking plenty of water, applying warmth to the treated area, light stretching and ranges of motion, following your Chiropractor’s instructions, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, following a healthy diet, continuing with your prescribed exercises and scheduling follow-up appointments are all important steps to take after dry needling. Always consult your Chiropractor before trying any new treatment or therapy.
If you’re interested in seeing a chiropractor or dry needling, visit us at one of our offices in Erie or 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!
