Dry Needling Therapy for Neck and Shoulder Pain: What You Need to Know

Are you experiencing chronic neck or shoulder pain while in Denver, wondering what your treatment options are for true relief? One new possible treatment technique is dry needling therapy. This treatment has become increasingly popular over the past few years thanks to its success in pain reduction and enhanced range of motion. 

But what is dry needling therapy, and how does it relate to neck and shoulder pain treatment? 

This article explains dry needling therapy, the procedure, why it works for pain reduction, and what to expect from this treatment in Denver.

What is Dry Needling Therapy?

Dry needling therapy is a method used by physical therapists to reduce tension and pain in muscles. This technique uses tiny, dry needles (meaning no pharmaceuticals or liquids) inserted into specific areas of the body, more specifically, trigger points. 

Trigger points are classified as taut bands of muscle that produce pain when touched. However, they can also create pain in different parts of the body. For example, a trigger point in the shoulder could cause a pain sensation in the arm. 

Fortunately, dry needling promotes healing by muscle release and circulation to allow the body to heal itself.

How Does It Help With Neck and Shoulder Pain?

Neck and shoulder pain are common, especially for office workers, those who lift repetitively, and people with high stress levels. These actions contribute to muscle contraction and subsequent trigger point formation. 

Dry needling's benefits include relief of muscle tension, decreased inflammation, improved neck and shoulder range of motion, reduced nerve entrapment, and healing. Dry needling addresses the source of pain (the trigger point) and thus alleviates the problem instead of treating the symptoms.

What Happens During a Dry Needling Session?

If you're getting dry needling in Denver, here is what will happen during your first appointment:

Assessment

Your physical therapist will take a history of symptoms, medical history, and activities of daily living. They will also assess neck and shoulder movement and determine the likely trigger points that caused the original discomfort.

Dry needling

The physical therapist uses extremely thin, sterile needles to penetrate the skin at the exact location of the determined trigger points. Upon insertion, you'll feel a slight pinch but not pain. Most people who have undergone dry needling describe the pinch as an odd sensation rather than pain.

Aftercare

Your muscles will feel sore afterwards, as if you've just had an intense workout. This usually lasts 24 – 48 hours. The dry needling therapist may encourage stretches, proper hydration, and hot or cold applications during this period to ease discomfort.

Follow-Up

If progress is made with pain relief or pain increases, your physical therapist will reassess your symptoms to determine if you need follow-up appointments.

How is Dry Needling Different from Acupuncture?

Because of the use of needles during treatment, people often think dry needling is the same as acupuncture. However, the two are largely unrelated. 

Dry needling in Denver is a modern treatment that targets trigger points in the muscles, promoting blood circulation and relieving tension. Acupuncture, on the other hand, is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and includes an examination of the body's energy pathways to reduce pain. 

Although both treatment techniques use needles, they use them in various ways and for multiple reasons.

Who Is a Candidate for Dry Needling? 

While dry needling is generally associated with athletes or anyone with sports-related trauma, it can alleviate various symptoms in different people. These include: 

• Pain stemming from sedentary desk jobs and subsequent stiff necks 
• Rehabilitation after car accidents 
• Poor posture 
• Overuse injuries from sports 
• Chronic shoulder pain 

If you live in the Denver region and experience neck or shoulder pain, it could prevent you from taking time off from your beloved activities. You should visit your therapist for an assessment to see if you qualify for treatment.

Advantages of Dry Needling for Neck and Shoulder Pain

Let's take a look at some specific advantages of dry needling therapy for neck pain treatment and shoulder pain treatment:

• Pain relief: The dry needling process releases trigger points and tight muscles, which reduces pain.
• Increased mobility: Looser muscles mean greater flexibility and range of motion.
• Improved posture: Less pain means more of a chance to stand or sit up straight.
• Reduced headaches: Many people suffer from headaches due to tension related to neck and shoulder pain, which dry needling may alleviate.
• Improved healing: Increased blood circulation means the body heals faster from injury.

Is Dry Needling A Standalone Treatment?

Many clinics in Denver use dry needling along with other options for treatment to ensure the best results. These include:

Manual therapy: hands-on techniques to facilitate movement and relaxation of the muscles and joints. Your therapist will apply just the right amount of pressure to tense regions to relieve tension.

Therapeutic exercise: Routines to improve strength and flexibility. These exercises are usually progressive, and your therapist will show you how to do them safely to prevent injury.

Postural education: Instruction on proper positioning and moving. You will learn the correct posture when sitting, standing, lifting, working, and carrying out your daily activities.

Heat and ice applications: To mitigate pain and reduce inflammation, your physical therapist may recommend modalities like heat or ice therapy. Heat therapy promotes blood circulation and eases tension, while cold reduces swelling and inflammation.

Ultimately, your therapist will create a tailored treatment plan that suits your needs.

Is dry needling Safe?

Of course. Dry needling is safe as long as it is performed by a trained, licensed professional. In Denver, for example, our physical therapists undergo extensive additional training to become certified to perform dry needling. 

Expected side effects are soreness and some bruising after the session from intramuscular manipulation. However, there are not many negative side effects, and they usually resolve within 24 - 48 hours.

What Should You Do After Your Dry Needling Session?

After your dry needling session, following these tips can help your recovery;

• Drink extra water. Water flushes out toxins that were released via dry needling.
• Ice or heat therapy. Your dry needling professional will tell you which is best for your soreness.
• Gentle stretches. Stretching helps keep muscles loose.
• Rest. Resting promotes relaxation and healing. However, don’t rest too much. You'll want to move a little. Don't overexert yourself, but don't stay in a position all day either.

When Should You See a Physical Therapist for Dry Needling?

A trip to the physical therapist is warranted if you have consistent pain that just won't budge (especially in the neck and shoulders). You should also need dry needling if:

• Other treatments haven't worked
• You have chronic tight and sore muscles
• You have headaches from tightness in the neck
• You desire to avoid medication or surgery

A physical therapist can assess your condition to see if dry needling is best for you.

Where to Get Dry Needling in Denver

Many clinics provide dry needling in Denver. Ensure your prospective Denver dry needling specialist is licensed, trained, and experienced, and specializes in neck pain treatment or shoulder pain treatment.

Ask questions like:

• How many dry needling sessions have you performed?
• What is your training background?
• Do you formulate a comprehensive treatment plan including exercise and education?

Answers to these questions will help you know how professional and experienced your prospective dry needling therapist is.

Conclusion

Dry needling therapy is a safe, effective treatment for neck and shoulder pain. This method releases tight muscles, increases blood flow, and helps the internal healing process. For many across Denver, it's changed their lives.

Whether it's related to posture, an overused, recurring injury, or stressors related to work or school, searching for dry needling in Denver is the relief you've been missing. Consult with a licensed physical therapist to see if it's right for you.