Dry Needling

Dry needling is a technique that involves thin, monofilament needles inserted into ‘trigger points’ to cause a ‘micro trauma’ or localized circulatory response to promote the healing process.

Damaged, tense, or painful muscles can take lengths of time to heal on their own, dry needling has been proven to shorten healing times.

Dry needling can be used as part of a greater treatment plan to ease inflammation, promote healing, and release pain.

What conditions are treated with Dry Needling?

Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness throughout the body
Headaches & neck tension
Plantar fasciitis & foot pain
Elbow, forearm, & wrist pain
Knee pain & stiffness
Hamstring issues & shin splints

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Nope! While both practices aim to relieve pain or ailments, they are based on different treatment philosophies.

Dry needling’s aim is to cause a ‘micro-trauma’ which encourages the body to start the natural healing process. Dry needling is used specifically on muscles and trigger points.

Acupuncture is a practice based on ancient Chinese medicine. Its aim is to release endorphins, affect the nervous system, and restore the proper flow of energy throughout the body. Acupuncture involves inserting needles along the meridian lines within the body, which represent different organs and bodily systems.

A trigger point is a tight band of muscle fiber, or knots, located within a larger muscle group. Trigger points are typically tender to the touch and touching a trigger point can sometimes cause pain in other parts of the body.

Some of our patients report minimal discomfort, but most report no pain at all. Occasionally, a mild soreness is reported after treatment, but it is similar to the soreness felt after a tough workout.

Dry needling is included under the general physical therapy codes our therapists bill for. So, as long as it’s medically appropriate and physical therapy is covered by your insurance, you’re good to go. Please note, there is a $5.00 supply fee per session, to cover the cost of the needles and supplies.

The technique uses a ‘dry’ needle, meaning there is no medication or injection inserted with the needle.

The timing is dependent on many factors: severity of pain, density of muscle fibers and tissues, as well as the location of the muscles being targeted. Treatment typically takes between 5 and 20 minutes.

We provide services in Topsham, Brunswick, Freeport, Yarmouth, South Portland, Kennebunk and Eliot, ME.