Dry Needling in San Antonio

What is Dry Needling?

Physical therapists use dry needling to treat pain and movement impairments. With this technique, a "dry" needle, one without medication or injection, is inserted through the skin into areas of the muscle. It employs a thin monofilament needle to penetrate the skin in order to treat neuromusculoskeletal trigger points that are causing pain and impairing movement.

What exactly is a trigger point? A trigger point is a local contraction or tight band in a muscle fiber that can disrupt function, limit the range of motion, refer pain, or cause local tenderness. As a result of dry needling, local and referred pain can be reduced, banding or tightness can be decreased, blood flow can be increased, and inflammation can be reduced.

Dry Needling in San Antonio

What Kind Of Needles Are Used?

Dry needling involves inserting a thin, filiform needle into the skin and stimulating the underlying myofascial trigger points, muscles, and connective tissues. By using a needle, a physical therapist can reach tissues that are otherwise not accessible.

What Are The Benefits Of Dry Needling?

Using dry needling is an effective way to control pain, reduce muscle tension, and repair dysfunctions in the motor end plates, where nerve impulses are transmitted to muscles. This helps speed up the recovery process.

What Kinds Of Pain Can Dry Needling Treat?

Dry needling is usually a part of an overall plan and can be paired with exercise, manual therapy, and more.

  • Joint problems

  • Disk problems

  • Tendinitis

  • Migraine and tension-type headaches

  • Jaw and mouth problems (such as temporomandibular joint disorders or TMD)

  • Whiplash

  • Repetitive motion disorders (like carpal tunnel syndrome)

  • Spinal problems

  • Pelvic pain

  • Night cramps

  • Phantom pain

  • Post-herpetic neuralgia (pain left behind by shingles)

Dry Needling in San Antonio

Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a conventional method that uses needles to encourage endorphin release from the body and stimulate healing energy for reduced pain.

Dry needling, on the other hand, implements needles as a form of treatment for muscle healing and trigger points that are the main source of a patient’s pain levels. 

Learn more about dry needling from Dr. Ramnarine:

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Our team of physicians can help you determine if dry needling is the right solution for you.