DRY NEEDLING
BALTIMORE SPORTS CLINIC
“Dry needling”, also known as intramuscular manual therapy, involves the insertion of one or more solid needles into muscles and connective tissue. The objective is to stimulate the body’s natural healing process, releasing a series of biochemical changes to decrease pain, reduce tone in muscle spasm, and improve range of motion.
What is Dry Needling?
“Dry needling” evolved from the work of Dr. Janet Travell and Dr. David Simons in the 1940s. These physicians found that specific muscles tend to refer pain and map in recognized patterns. For example, the distressed heart will often refer pain to the neck and down the left arm when symptomatic.
Modern dry needling should not be confused with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) acupuncture. TCM is based on the use of “pulses” and “meridians” (or channels derived from ancient Chinese philosophy and culture). Modern dry needling is based on current medical science and research known and accepted by today’s primary care, orthopedic, neurologic, and pain management physicians.
WHY DRY NEEDLING?
The MAYO Clinic and other accredited professional medical organizations agree that Dry Needling:
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Is safe
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Administered with minimal discomfort
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Increased range of motion
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Reduce pain
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Restore function
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Decrease banding or tightness
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Increase blood flow
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Heals Faster
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Works in conjunction with other physical therapies
Dry needling can be used for a wide variety of musculoskeletal issues, such as shoulder, neck, heel, hip and back pain.