What is dry needling?

Dry Needling therapy is used to relieve neuromusculoskeletal pain in many patients. Our licensed health care professionals at RYSE Chiropractic in Moss Bluff, LA (Lake Charles area) utilize this needle therapy to help increase the body's natural ability to decrease and regulate pain. Dry needling is a safe and often effective treatment technique for patients with certain neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Dry needling should only be performed by those skilled in the procedure. Typically, dry needling is performed with other treatments offered by our chiropractors.

What does dry needling treat?

Dry needling is used to treat trigger points in the myofascial system. A trigger point is a contracture or tight band of muscle tissue that often leads to reduced function, limited range of motion, and local or referred pain. In addition to trigger point treatment, dry needling can also be effective in helping to regulate the central nervous system (CNS).

Dry needling increases microcirculation to the area(s) treated which can speed the healing process and decrease inflammation.

Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?

No. Although the two treatments may use similar tools, they are not the same. Acupuncture is a treatment that focuses on the meridians of the body and stems from Eastern medicine. Dry needling is a treatment that focuses on the musculoskeletal system and stems from Western medicine. Professionals that perform dry needling conduct tests and evaluations to determine the cause of your symptoms and treat those areas.

What kind of needles are used?

Dry needling utilizes thin filiform needles that are often times painless when inserted. The needle penetrates the skin and underlying fascia to stimulate the muscle trigger point(s) and myofascial system. The depth of the needle varies depending on the target muscle of the treatment.

Who benefits from dry needling?

• Patients with trigger points (or muscle knots)
• Patients with musculoskeletal complaints such as: neck pain, headaches, back pain, hip pain, shoulder pain, etc.
• Patients with tight or stiff muscles
• Patient with limited range of motion due to trigger points
• Patients with an upregulated central nervous system

Why see a chiropractor for dry needling?

Chiropractors are well educated in human anatomy. Chiropractors who perform dry needling in Louisiana have postgraduate training and certifications to perform the treatment. When deciding where to receive dry needling, make sure to ask about the professional's training and education. Our chiropractor is certified in Integrative Dry Needling.