what is dry needling? who performs dry needling? dry …...dry needling is used for the reduction of...
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Cary Medical Center498-3111 · 1-800-858-2279 · www.carymedicalcenter.org
Cary is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
Dry Needling
163 Van Buren Road · Caribou, ME 04736Ph: 498-1618Fax 498-1653
Dry needling is an advanced practiceintervention performed by physical therapistswho have completed extensive continuingeducation in the topic. Currently, Cary MedicalCenter has two physical therapists who areable to perform the procedure.
Tracie Papsadora
PT, DPT, CBIS
Matthew Papsadora
PT, DPT
Who Performs DryNeedling?
What is Dry Needling?
A skilled intervention performed by aphysical therapist that uses a thinfiliform needle to penetrate the skin andstimulate underlying myofascial triggerpoints, muscular and connective tissuesfor the management ofneuromusculoskeletal pain andmovement impairments.
~(APTA, 2012)
Dry needling can be used to treat such
conditions as:
• Neck pain
• Headaches
• Back pain
• Tennis elbow
• Knee pain
• Hip pain
• Shoulder impingement
• Muscle strain
• The list goes on…
Dry needling is used for the reduction of pain
and spasm due to trigger points, myofascial
restrictions, or impaired function. Stimulation of
dysfunctional tissue with the use of dry
needles and electrical stimulation can reduce
spasm and pain, and assist in restoring
function. Often, dry needling is used as a tool
to affect pre/post assessment findings for
functional dysfunctional movement
What Is Dry NeedlingUsed For?
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinesemedicine. The similarities begin and end withthe tool used, which is a solid filiform needle.Acupuncture allows the practitioner to insertneedles into specific meridians (channels) ofthe body, which “qi” flows.
Dry needling is associated with westernmedicine philosophy. Examination involvesevaluation of pain patterns, movementpatterns, muscular and articular function andorthopedic tests. Dysfunction leads thetherapist to insert the needles into the involvedtissues. Needling is only one part of thetreatment a physical therapist will provide, withthe overall goal of restoring function.
I’ve Had AcupunctureBefore…What’s the Difference?
Are There Risks?
As with any medical intervention there areassociated risks.Those with bleedingdisorders or recent surgery to the involvedarea may not receive the intervention. Risksinvolve minor bleeding and bruising.
Needle insertion pain, muscle soreness andpost intervention fatigue are possible riskfactors. Very rare complications areinfection and pneumothorax (when theneedled area is over the lung field.) Yourphysical therapist will screen you forcontraindications prior to intervention inorder to minimize associated risks.