When thinking about a body therapy that uses needles, you conjure an image of an acupuncturist inserting various needles along the “Qi Meridian” (from Chinese medicine) into your body. More recently, however, dry needling has been introduced as a modern and scientific approach of inserting the same filiform needles directly into muscle knots.

Also known as intramuscular stimulation (IMS) or myofascial trigger point dry needling, this modern technique uses the same thin, solid needles that are used in acupuncture. The physiotherapist usually places the needles into the skin and muscle while targeting the tight knots called trigger points.

If you’ve ever been recommended by your doctor to try out dry needling, here are five benefits you should be aware of:

1. It Relieves Chronic Pain

Dry needling works on sciatic nerves, plantar fasciitis, elbow, back, shoulder, neck, head, and other areas of the body. It can also be used as part of a more extensive treatment to manage pain, whether resulting from acute or chronic conditions. The needles are inserted directly into the trigger points while you get therapeutic exercises and manual therapy. If you ever have headaches, shoulder pain, or back pain, you are likely to benefit from dry needling.

2. It Loosens Tight Muscles

Did you know that dry needling serves as a reset button for your muscles? If you’re wondering how this works, the needles inserted into the identified knots can help restore the muscles’ original lengths. Although more studies are being conducted to identify the exact mechanisms, scientists believe that it works by changing the region’s electrical activity to reset the muscles.

3. It Improves Blood Circulation

Many doctors would say that relaxed muscles can impact your overall blood circulation. Likewise, tight muscles can cause pain and obstruct blood flow. What’s good about dry needling is that it identifies knots and releases them using the ultra-thin needles. As a result, your blood will circulate much better in your body.

4. It Improves a Wide Range of Motion

Another good reason to try dry needling is how it can significantly improve your range of motion. In fact, patients who have undergone this treatment have seen major improvements in their movements. Athletes and sports enthusiasts should consider this more to increase their mobility. Overall, dry needling that increases blood flow and reduces pain can contribute to your overall improved movement.

5. It Restores Your Normal Functioning

Muscle stiffness is a common occurrence that can occur with pain after an operation. For this reason, your muscles lose the strength needed for normal functioning. As trigger point dry needling relaxes your muscles and reduces your pain, you can improve your movement, resolve your muscle problems, and help them get back to their normal function. For instance, dry needling for rotator cuff injury can help improve the group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joints, helping you return to normal functioning.

The Evolution of a Modern Treatment

The practice of dry needle treatment results from a newer study and is considered the modern method of using needles to relive pain in the body. It is based on the Western Medicine principles from Dr. Travell and Dr. Simons’ work, requiring the assessment and treatment of trigger points and referral patterns.

Take Advantage of the Wonders of Dry Needling

As outlined above, various benefits come with dry needling, such as pain relief, muscle relaxation, improved blood circulation, improved motion, and restoration of normal body functioning. Given all these valuable benefits, you have all the right reasons to take advantage of everything it offers!

Opt for Needling Services from the Best

Are you considering getting dry needling for your neck pain and headaches? It’s about time to give it a plunge! Here at Dry Needle Pain Relief, our professional chiropractor provides needle treatment in Jacksonville, FL. Let his experienced dry needling techniques work wonders to relieve you from chronic pain!