It is not uncommon for patients recovering from injuries or trauma to a joint to experience significant levels of pain in the movement of the joint during the recovery process. A very effective technique used by a physical therapist is known as Dry Needling In Asheville, NC. Patients in the area may find that functional dry needling is recommended as part of their recovery plan.
For many, dry needling may seem very similar to acupuncture or trigger point injections. Understanding the differences helps you to understand why one method is recommended based on your specific recovery plan.
Dry Needling
This process uses an acupuncture needle that is inserted directly into the muscle, ligament, or tendon to relieve pain and muscle tension. The physical therapist uses knowledge of the human anatomy to pinpoint the area of tension in the muscle and stimulate the surrounding tissue to create pain relief and improve healing.
This process can create a slightly painful experience for the patient. The pain from dry needling is typically mild and lasts less than 48 hours.
Acupuncture
Even though acupuncture uses needles at the same time, the process is very different. Acupuncture is an ancient practice to reduce blocks in the body that limit energy flow and promote healing. There are specific points on the body that are stimulated through acupuncture in a very gentle, painless process.
Trigger Point Injections
Trigger point injections add the use of a liquid injected into the knot in the muscle. The liquid typically includes lidocaine, saline, or corticosteroids that reduce pain while the needling releases the tension in the muscle.
