If you are recovering from an injury or surgery, turning to physical therapy can help speed your recovery. For anyone interested in finding a physical therapist in Edgemere who offers several options for treatment, Comprehensive Spine & Sports Center in Essex is a top choice. Today we’ll look at dry needling. Although the terms acupuncture and dry needling are used by some interchangeably, there are distinct differences between the two practices.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that strategically inserts very thin needles into points of the body. The goal of this practice is to alter the flow of Qi (energy) within the body, treat pain, and reduce stress.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling also inserts thin needles into points of the body. Dry needling focuses on inserting the needle into muscles that aren’t functioning correctly to alleviate tense muscles. Additionally, dry needling aims to find “trigger points” within the tissue that are hard or sensitive to the touch.
What are the Key Differences?
Unlike acupuncture, which has roots in ancient Chinese medicine, dry needling is backed and supported by science. Over the years, scientists have researched how to pinpoint myofascial trigger points, which result in a local twitch response with the correct insertion of a needle. This action, ideally, releases endogenous opioids, which reduce muscle tension and stress.
Therapists who perform dry needling underwent extensive training and education to earn their certification. Visit Dr. Cohen, a certified dry needling specialist, at Comprehensive Spine and Sports Center. He has helped many patients relieve pain and reduce muscle tension.
Benefits of Dry Needling
Dry needling reduces muscle pain, especially for those with neck injuries. In addition, dry needling can increase flexibility and range of motion for individuals. It is an optimal choice for sports injury rehabilitation. Combined with regular physical therapy, a person can see some improvements in injuries, whether they’re small or large.
Looking for a Physical Therapist in Edgemere?
The research shows that dry needling can reduce pain, muscle tension, and normalize muscle function. Patients who are looking for a physical therapist in Edgemere should consider Comprehensive Spine & Sports Center. At our facility, patients can combine their physical therapy appointments with aquatic and chiropractic care. This overarching approach to rehabilitation ensures individuals feel revived and get back to normal as quickly as possible after an injury. Contact Comprehensive Spine & Sports Center today to make an appointment.
