Dry Needling in League City

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is much like acupuncture, a safe, trusted, and centuries-old therapy. Both involve needles placed in the body; however, acupuncture centers on energy flow, while dry needling centers on muscle restoration.

Dry needling therapy utilizes ultra-thin needles strategically placed in localized skin areas (trigger points) where the soft tissues are damaged. The needles facilitate a controlled stimulation process that turns the tissues on and off.

This therapeutic approach aims to alleviate pain and dysfunction within the musculoskeletal system by resetting the body and eliminating discomfort at the applied insertion points. Despite the needles being inserted superficially, they can effectively target and treat the tissues beneath the skin.

Due to this precise approach, the results of dry needling therapy are typically rapid and highly productive.

Is dry needling safe?

Dry needling is a safe, efficient, and proven chiropractic treatment. It works quickly and often provides some level of immediate relief. This technique helps the body regain full function and is commonly used on athletes because it enables active patients to train and compete without downtime or pain medication.

What does dry needling do?

Dry needling can have several positive effects on the compromised tissues, including:

Trigger point inactivation

The needle's insertion into trigger points can help disrupt the excessive release of acetylcholine, the chemical responsible for sustained muscle contraction and pain associated with trigger points.

Local twitch response

When inserted, the needle can elicit a local twitch response, an involuntary contraction of the muscle fibers. This twitch response helps reset the muscle spindle and improve muscle function.

Increased blood flow

The needle insertion can stimulate local circulation, increasing blood flow to the area. This increased blood flow can help remove waste products and deliver oxygen and nutrients to the affected muscle for a faster recovery.

Disruption of muscle adhesions

Dry needling can help disrupt adhesions or scar tissue that may have formed within the muscle, improving mobility and range of motion.

Muscle relaxation

Dry needling can help relax the affected muscle by targeting trigger points, reducing tension, and improving flexibility.

The primary goals of dry needling are to:

• Restore normal muscle function
• Reduce pain
• Improve overall mobility 
• Improve quality of movement

Does dry needling hurt?

The needles used in dry needling are so fine and slender that most patients hardly notice their insertion. Occasionally, a mild twitch may be felt, resulting from the muscle contracting slightly upon the needle's entry. However, this sensation is not painful or uncomfortable in any way. 

Generally, the dry needling treatment procedure is entirely free of pain or discomfort for the patient.

Upon completion of the therapy, the insertion points may be a bit tender, and you may notice a dull muscle ache as if you’ve finished a workout.

What is your dry-needling process?

Our League City chiropractor will have you sit or lie on a table with the affected area exposed before inserting the needles into the skin directly over the injured soft tissue and into the trigger point. 

The needles are inserted about 10mm deep and usually stay in the skin for 10 to 15 minutes. The amount of sessions needed will depend on your injury and comfort level. 

The Benefits of Dry Needling 

Dry needling therapy is an organic technique that offers a conservative and conscientious approach to restoring the body's equilibrium. Its advantages are substantial, and our League City chiropracic clinic has witnessed numerous patients rediscover comfort from long-standing symptoms after receiving the treatment. 

Common benefits of dry needling include: 

• Safe and effective pain relief
• Improved range of motion and flexibility
• Faster recovery from injuries
• Reduced muscle tension and spasms
• Enhanced athletic performance
• Decreased reliance on medication
• Improved posture and biomechanics
• Increased blood flow and oxygen to the affected area
• Reduced inflammation and scar tissue
• Improved sleep quality and energy levels
• No recovery time or downtime 
• And more

We may use dry needling to complement other chiropractic therapies for a comprehensive approach to managing your condition.

Conditions Dry Needling Can Treat 

Dry needling can help those with both chronic and acute pain. Whether you need to rehabilitate after a sporting event or have muscle pain due to consistent pressure, dry needling may be the perfect resource for you. 

Common symptoms, injuries, and conditions dry needling therapy can help relieve include:

• Headaches and migraines
• TMJ
• Neck pain and stiffness 
• Back pain and lumbar pain 
• Disc injuries, including disc herniation and disc bulge
• Rotator cuff injury and shoulder pain
• Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
• Wrist pain and carpal tunnel syndrome  
• Hip pain 
• Sciatica 
• Knee pain or motion loss in the knee, including jumper’s knee and runner’s knee
• Ankle sprains, ankle pain, and motion loss in the ankle
• Plantar fasciitis and foot pain
• Sports injuries  
• Chronic pain and acute pain
• Muscle pulls and strains
• Scar tissue or adhesions
• And more 

We’ve used dry needling therapy to help many kinds of patients, including:

• High school athletes and college athletes
• Sports competitors
• Active people
• Senior patients 
• Sedentary patients
• Traumatic injury patients 
• Overuse injury patients 
• And more

Dry needling assists patients with sports injuries, overuse injuries, and muscle pain. Our team will determine the most effective strategy to heal and restore your body, often combining sports chiropractic services with dry needling and take-home guidance to maximize your good and speedy results.