Dry Needling

If you suffer from chronic pain and stiffness, the underlying cause may involve tight muscle knots known as trigger points. These trigger points are commonly associated with many kinds of discomfort. Fortunately, you can obtain relief from these issues with the aid of a healing technique called dry needling. Our chiropractic team here at Shaver Chiropractic & Natural Medicine offers dry needling alongside our other non-surgical treatment services to help you regain your former quality of life.

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling involves the insertion of needles into muscle tissue for the purpose of alleviating myofascial pain. This myofascial pain typically occurs when muscles form hard knots called trigger points. These trigger points not only feel painful or tender in their own right, but they also refer pain along nerve pathways to other, sometimes quite remote parts of the body. The insertion of the needle into a trigger point forces the knotted muscle tissue to relax, which in turn stops the flow of painful sensations.

You may think that this sounds similar to acupuncture, but dry needling and acupuncture work in very different ways. Acupuncture aims to correct a wide range of physical disorders based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Dry needling is a Western technique that focuses on relieving specific neuromuscular symptoms caused by trigger points or other myofascial problems such as adhesions (internal scar tissue buildup).

Conditions Treated by Dry Needling

Because referred pain plays a role in so many chronic pain syndromes, dry needling can prove a highly versatile healing modality. Dr. Shaver and Dr. Gullo may prescribe it for headaches, pelvic pain, neck or back pain, tendonitis, temporomandibular joint disorder, night cramps, or even "phantom" pain sensations. Dry needling's ability to relieve soft tissue pain also makes it highly effective for common overuse or strain-related disorders, including repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

What to Expect From a Dry Needling Treatment

Similar to acupuncture, the needles employed for dry needling sessions are exceptionally thin and do not penetrate deeply. This means that the needles themselves shouldn't cause pain, although you may experience a tingling sensation. Our team in Wilmington will use proper protective equipment and practices to ensure a sterile environment for the procedure. While dry needling is considered safe for the vast majority of people, we may recommend alternatives if you are pregnant, recovering from recent surgery, or taking blood thinners. Contact Shaver Chiropractic & Natural Medicine at (910) 452-5555 to learn more.

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ACUPUNCTURE

As you may know, Shaver Chiropractic & Natural Medicine offers acupuncture as a complement to other natural healing techniques such as chiropractic adjustment. What you might not realize, however, is how many acupuncture modalities can be put to work toward your health and wellness goals. Take a look at some of the most common acupuncture modalities and their benefits.

Standard Acupuncture

This modality involves the placement of hair-fine needles at strategic points on the body. Traditional Chinese Medicine holds that these points alter the flow of life energy along imaginary pathways called meridians. Scientists believe that the needles alter nerve conduction and release pain relievers called endorphins.

Discover the Wide World of Acupuncture

Our chiropractic team can show you first-hand just how powerfully, easily, and effectively acupuncture can increase your health, wellness, comfort, and function. Contact our clinic (910) 452-5555 today to schedule an initial consultation and evaluation.