What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is acupuncture with a new modern name and specific treatment style approach. The more we study dry needling, the more we understand its benefit and expand its use in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries.  Addressing everything from low back pain, migraines, and sports injuries; dry needling proves beneficial in the most common muscle, tendon, ligament, and joint issues. It can decrease swelling, increase range of motion, flexibility and reduce tension.

In a dry needling session the provider will be with you throughout, continually inserting and removing fine acupuncture needles into various muscles. We think of dry needling as needle massage because of the focus on  releasing muscles .  This works beautifully and quicker than massage therapy to lengthen and reset the muscles. The needles are not retained and will be focused on balancing out musculoskeletal issues. This treatment style is valued by many pro athlete's. 

​Pro Athletes rely on dry needling

https://www.businessinsider.com/dolphins-raheem-mostert-nfl-offseason-training-longevity-2023-11

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https://baudrytherapy.com/dry-needling/drew-brees-touts-effectiveness-dry-needling/

Research
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8811490/

How is Dry Needling different than Acupuncture?

Dry needling sessions are more active than traditional acupuncture styles. Traditional acupuncture treatment has the added benefit of stress relief and a period of rest that does not occur during dry needling. Traditional acupuncture is also more tolerable  in terms of the intensity of the treatment and involves needle retention. You will be left alone with the needles for a period of 20-45 minutes where as with dry needling the provider will be with you the entire time. Both  methods can be effective for pain management. Acupuncture also includes manual therapy and , if applicable, infrared heat therapy. 

What conditions can you treat?

Acute and Chronic Conditions 

Please note while some conditions cannot be cured they are certainly made more livable with musculoskeletal treatments. This is not an exhaustive list, please book your complimentary consult for more information.

• Sprains/Strains

• Repetitive stress injuries

• Low back pain, neck and shoulder pain, hip pain, calf pain

• Deep muscular pain that is not improved by massage or chiropractic 

• Disc herniation

• Spinal stenosis

• Pain due to scoliosis 

• Tender knots or adhesive spots in the muscle

• Difficulty sleeping due to muscular pain

• Sciatica and other nerve pain

Do you accept insurance?

We do not accept insurance. Payments accepted include Venmo, Credit Card, HSA/FSA cards , Apple Pay and Google Pay.  We can create a superbill for you to submit to your insurance or HSA/FSA for potential reimbursement. Please note that not all insurance recognizes dry needling. We cannot guarantee any reimbursement via insurance but will do our best to provide you with the correct documents.

How many sessions will I need?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this. Factors such as the age of the patient, how long the dysfunction has been present and, if patient has an exercise regiment , their diet and overall health. Some conditions have an emotional component as well.

Do you offer packages?

Because every condition is different and may require various lengths of treatment we do not offer packages. Some folks get treatment on a regular basis for maintenance and overall balance. 

Should I do Acupuncture or Dry Needling?

This can be determined during the complimentary consult as well as during an initial exam and intake. For some folks, especially those experiencing chronic pain or those with conditions like fibromyalgia and autoimmune disorders, dry needling can actually cause a pain flare. Acupuncture is great for people that are sensitive and need a more gentle treatment style.  Many senior patients benefit from acupunctures ability to access their reservoirs of strength and endurance. 

The beauty of traditional acupuncture is in its holistic nature, most patients report becoming happier, less stressed, having better digestion and sleep with traditional acupuncture. 

Some folks can eventually be able to tolerate stronger treatments like dry needling after acupuncture treatments have been introduced for a period of time. Everyone is different, at AMDC we respect the body and central nervous system.  Watch THIS video to learn more, of course you are welcome to work with the doctor to determine your best treatment plan.  

Do you prescribe herbs?

We do not prescribe internal herbs , we have several local referrals for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). TCM is excellent at treating complex health conditions that are outside of our orthopedic specialty.