For Humans:
Functional Dry Needling is a therapeutic treatment that involves multiple insertions of a filament needle. The needle is inserted into the muscles in an area of the body which is producing pain and typically contains a ‘Trigger Point’. There is no injected solution and the needle used is very thin. Most patients will not feel the needle penetrate the skin. However, once it is advanced into the muscle, the feeling of discomfort can vary from patient to patient.
Treatment Objectives
Relieve acute and chronic pain patterns originating from dysfunctional nerve and/or muscle function.
What to expect
Usually a healthy muscle feels very little discomfort with insertion of the needle; however, if the muscle is sensitive and shortened or has active trigger points within it, the subject may feel a sensation much like a muscle cramp. This can also be referred to as a ‘twitch response’. The twitch response also has a biochemical characteristic to it which likely affects the reaction of the muscle, symptoms, and response of the tissue.
The patient may only feel the cramping sensation locally. It is also possible they may feel a referral of pain or similar symptoms to that of which they are seeking treatment. A reproduction of the patient’s pain can be a helpful diagnostic indicator of the cause of their symptoms. Patients soon learn to recognize and even welcome this sensation as it results in deactivation of the trigger point, thereby reducing pain and restoring normal length and function of the involved muscle.
Benefits
Dry needling is an effective treatment for acute and chronic pain, rehabilitation from injury, and even pain and injury prevention, with very few side effects. This technique is unequaled in finding and eliminating neuromuscular dysfunction that leads to pain and functional deficits.
How many visits does it take
Typically, positive results are apparent within 2-4 treatment sessions but can vary depending on the cause and duration of the symptoms, overall health of the patient, and experience level of the practitioner.
Resources
Site: Kinetacore