Chiropractors use many different techniques to make sure their patients are as healthy as possible! One such technique is dry needling. You may be wondering, what is dry needling? If you’ve never been, you may wonder what to expect during a dry needling session. The Chiropractic Center of Erie and the Chiropractic Center of Longmont has the answer to all of your questions!
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a technique that utilizes small, thin needles. The needles are expertly and precisely placed into specific points inside muscles, tendons, and ligaments. By inserting the needles into the correct position, the chiropractor can encourage blood flow and healing to the specified area. The term “dry needling” refers to the fact that the needles don’t inject anything into the body, leaving the needles dry. Dry needling is efficient in assisting with many conditions, including headaches, tendonitis, back pain, neck pain, muscle spasms, and more!
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session?
First Assessment
The first step is for the chiropractor to determine the symptoms you’ve been dealing with. More often than not, dry needling can help. This initial conversation is a great time to bring up any questions you may have about dry needling, as well as your previous medical history that may be relevant.
Needling
Once dry needling has been determined to be helpful and the areas have been chosen, the needling begins. The chiropractor will insert thin, sterile needles into targeted areas. The needles might cause a slight pressure, but they shouldn’t be painful.
Stimulation
After the needles are set into place, the chiropractor may move or manipulate the needles. This additional stimulation can be crucial to the process. It also can help relieve tension and tightness in muscles. The chiropractor may also electrically stimulate the needles.
Duration
The length of the dry needling session can vary depending on the number of areas being treated as well as what is explicitly being treated. A dry needling session can often last between 15-30 minutes. It may take a series of dry needling sessions to receive the desired results.
Post-Treatment Recommendations
After a dry needling session, your chiropractor will give you recommendations on ways to maximize the effectiveness of dry needling. This may involve drinking extra water or light stretching. You also may want to avoid strenuous activity.
Scheduling Follow-Ups
Your chiropractor may request follow-up appointments. This will be to monitor progress and to continue with treatment if needed.
Summary
Dry needling is a technique that chiropractors use to help their patients heal. It involves the use of small, sterile needles that are inserted into targeted areas to help relieve stress in the muscles and promote healing. The typical dry needling session involves determining what ailments can be assisted, going through the dry needling process, and then some minor post-session care.
If you’re interested in seeing a chiropractor or in 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” thirteen 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 disorders 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!
