Dry Needling | Helena, MT | Services | Montana Spine & Joint Rehab

FUNCTIONAL DRY NEEDLING

What is Functional Dry Needling?

Functional Dry Needling (FDN) is a technique physical therapists use to treat pain and movement impairments. The physical therapist inserts a "dry" needle, (one without medication or injection), into specific areas of the muscle. Functional Dry Needling (FDN) addresses whole body function by placing needles strategically in tissues for maximal impact on one or more systems to address physical impairments, motor impairments and sensory experiences within a movement and neurological framework.

Dry needling is NOT acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine performed by acupuncturists. Dry needling is a part of modern Western medicine and is supported by research.

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) defines dry needling as:

"Dry needling is a skilled intervention that uses a thin filiform needle to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points, muscular, and connective tissues for the management of neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments. It is a technique used to treat dysfunctions in skeletal muscle, fascia, and connective tissue, and to diminish persistent peripheral nociceptive (pain) input, and reduce or restore impairments in body structure and function, leading to improved activity and participation."

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Why Dry Needling?

Dry needling can release or inactivate trigger points to relieve pain or improve range of motion. When a needle is inserted into the muscle, effects have been observed in the local tissue, the spinal cord, and the brain. Research suggests that dry needling improves pain control and reduces muscle tension. Study findings also show that dry needling can normalize dysfunctions of the motor end plates, from which nerve impulses get transmitted to muscles. This can help speed up the patient's return to active rehab. When physical therapists use dry needling, it is typically part of a larger treatment plan.

What kind of needles are used? What do the needles look like?

Dry needling involves a thin filiform needle. The needle goes through the skin and stimulates underlying myofascial trigger points and muscular and connective tissues. The needle allows a physical therapist to target tissues they are not able to reach with their hands.

The needles used are much smaller than hypodermic needles, and are solid rather than hollow, with a rounded rather than a beveled tip with the cutting edge of a hypodermic needle.

Is Dry Needling Safe?

Physical Therapists wear gloves and personal protective equipment when dry needling. Sterile needles and clean technique are used to minimize any infection risk. There are other risk factors to consider, but dry needling is considered a very safe treatment option.

Bottom Line...

Dry needling is an incredible tool to help reset homeostasis in a number of different systems in the body, promoting improved communication throughout your body and overall improved function.

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