Dry Needling
Dry needling is a treatment in which a physical therapist inserts a thin, solid needle, with no medication, into a myofascial trigger point, a tight knot in a muscle, to relax the muscle and ease pain. It is also called intramuscular stimulation (IMS) and trigger point dry needling (TDN). PAR Physical Therapy offers dry needling in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, as part of a plan of care.
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What happens when the needle reaches a trigger point
The therapist inserts and repeatedly moves a solid filament needle in the trigger point. This can produce an involuntary spinal cord reflex called a local twitch response (LTR). The twitch is linked with a release of shortened bands of muscle fibers in tight muscles, or with activation of muscles that are under-active.
Because the trigger point can ease right away, your therapist can then train the muscle to work with the new pain-free range of motion in the same visit. The goal is to relax the trigger points and help restore normal muscle tone, length, coordination, function and strength.
Dry needling and acupuncture are not the same thing
Both use a dry, solid needle under the skin. The reasoning behind them is different.
Dry needling
Based on Western neuroanatomy and modern scientific study of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, and aimed at muscles and trigger points.
Acupuncture
Based on traditional Chinese medicine, which looks to balance the body through the flow of Qi (energy) along pathways called meridians.
What they share
A dry needle is inserted and manipulated under the skin, and both are described as releasing endorphins and serum cortisol for pain relief.
Body areas where dry needling is used
These are the main body areas, and each has its own page.
- Neck pain and headaches
- Shoulder pain
- Elbow pain, including tennis and golfer’s elbow
- Hip pain and back pain
- Knee pain
- Foot, ankle and heel pain
- Sports overuse injuries
- Chronic myofascial pain
- Post-surgical pain
Tell your therapist first if
Dry needling is not right for everyone. Say so before treatment if any of these apply.
- You have a bleeding disorder
- You take blood thinners
- You are or may be pregnant
- You have a strong fear of needles
Your therapist reviews your history before treating, and the final decision is made with you.
Your visit, your therapist and how it is billed
Dry needling is added to a plan after your therapist has evaluated you. Visits typically last 30 to 60 minutes, and you see the same licensed physical therapist each time. Chris Garavito (Owner, MSPT, TPIMP) lists dry needling among his advanced training.
It is often combined with manual therapy and exercise. You do not need a physician’s referral to be evaluated by a physical therapist in South Carolina. PAR accepts most insurance plans, and we make every effort to verify your benefits before your first visit. Same-day appointments are possible.
Common dry needling questions
Will I feel it?
You may feel a local twitch response, an involuntary muscle reflex, when the needle reaches the trigger point. Tell your therapist how it feels so they can adjust.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your problem and how your body responds. Your plan of care, including how often you come and for how many weeks, is set with you after your evaluation.
Related care
Dry needling in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet
Call either clinic or request an appointment. We see patients in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.
We see patients in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.
Request an Appointment Call Myrtle Beach Call Murrells Inlet