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Dry needling is a modern western version of acupuncture treatment designed to ease muscular pain. It is an emerging physical therapy technique that uses a small needles to release knots within the muscles. This treatment has been in use since the 1940s, but it has only recently become a widely used form of therapy to reduce pain, tightness, and discomfort. With the use of small, thin needles, injured soft tissue undergoes a therapeutic process of recovery as tension and pressure is released.
At Atlas Total Health Chiropractic, our success is measured not just by the treatments we provide but by the quality of life of each patient – one adjustment at a time.
Dry needling is an instrument-assisted therapy that aims to relieve the chronic pain of patients that have been suffering from long-term muscular injuries. This practice is designed to relieve tightness and pain in muscles. Practitioners believe that inserting a needle directly into a knot or pressure point will release tension in the surrounding muscles.
Atlas Total Health Chiropractic is one of the top options for dry needling in the Chattanooga area and we are successful in treating pain and disability by targeting trigger points. We believe that it can have a profound impact on your life by reducing your pain and increasing your mobility.
Any stiff or aching muscles causing chronic pain can be treated with dry needling. Dry needling therapy can be used on large muscle groups, such as the quadriceps or glutes, as well as smaller muscles within the spine or neck.
Your road to recovery can involve a variety of techniques to help you live a fuller life.
As one of the few clinics that offer dry needling in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Atlas Total Health Chiropractic can be your partner in creating an excellent plan of care.
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique performed by trained healthcare professionals in which thin, solid filiform needles are inserted into specific points in the muscle tissue (called trigger points or myofascial trigger points) to relieve pain and improve movement. The term ‘dry’ refers to the fact that no medication or liquid is injected through the needle.
Although both practices use similar needles, they differ in philosophy and application. Dry needling is rooted in Western medicine and focuses on releasing tight muscle knots (trigger points) to address musculoskeletal pain. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and works along energy pathways called meridians. Dry needling practitioners are typically physical therapists, chiropractors, or physicians with specialized training, whereas acupuncture is practiced by licensed acupuncturists.
Dry needling is commonly used to treat neck and back pain, shoulder impingement and rotator cuff issues, tension headaches and migraines, knee pain and IT band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, hip pain, sciatica, sports injuries, and general muscle tightness or spasms. It is often used as part of a broader rehabilitation program.
Many patients experience minimal discomfort during insertion of the needle. When the needle reaches a trigger point, you may feel a brief twitch or cramping sensation. This is known as a local twitch response and is actually a sign the treatment is working! Some soreness in the treated area is normal for 24–48 hours following a session; it’s similar to the feelings you get after an intense workout.
When performed by a trained and licensed professional, dry needling is generally considered safe. Serious complications are rare. Minor side effects may include temporary soreness, bruising, or minor bleeding at the needle sites. Practitioners follow strict hygiene protocols using single-use, sterile needles to minimize any risk of infection.
Dry needling may not be appropriate for individuals who are pregnant, have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinners, have a needle phobia, have compromised immune function, have recently undergone surgery in the area to be treated, or have certain skin conditions at the treatment site. Always inform your provider of your full medical history before starting treatment.
The number of sessions varies depending on the condition being treated, its severity, and how you respond. Some patients notice significant improvement after just one or two sessions, while chronic or complex conditions may require six or more treatments. Your practitioner will reassess your progress regularly and adjust the plan accordingly.
A typical dry needling session lasts between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the number of areas being treated.
After treatment, it is advisable to stay well hydrated, apply ice or heat to sore areas as recommended by your provider, perform any prescribed gentle stretches or exercises, and avoid intense physical activity for the rest of the day. If soreness persists beyond 48 hours or you experience any unusual symptoms, you should contact your provider.
Dry needling is not covered by insurance in Chattanooga.
Dry needling is performed by licensed healthcare professionals who have completed additional specialized training in the technique. These often include physical therapists, chiropractors, sports medicine physicians, and other clinicians, depending on the regulations in your state or country.
The best way to determine if dry needling is appropriate for your condition is to schedule a consultation with a qualified practitioner. Your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals will be assessed before a recommendation is made. Dry needling is often most effective when combined with other therapies such as exercise, manual therapy, or stretching.
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