​What is dry needling

A treatment that involves inserting thin needles into the skin to treat myofascial trigger points. It can be combined with chiropractic to rebuild strength and restore range of motion. A typical side effect is soreness, similar to what you might feel after exercising muscles very hard. 

 

Who performs dry needling

Chiropractors, acupuncturists, physical therapists, and other trained healthcare providers

 

How it works

Needles are inserted into the muscle or connective tissue in the area of the body that produces pain

 

What it can treat

Neck, back, and shoulder pain, headaches, jaw pain, buttock pain, leg pain, and more

 

How it's used

Usually part of a larger pain management plan that could include chiropractic, exercise, stretching, massage and physiotherapy

 

When it's not recommended

Patients who are unwilling or unable to give consent, have a medical emergency or acute medical condition, have a local infection, or have lymphedema

 

Where it's legal

Legal in all U.S. states and the District of Columbia, but who is allowed to perform the treatment varies by state. For example, in California only medical doctors and acupuncturists can perform dry needling. Unfortunately, almost no one has heard of it there, since MDs give pharmaceuticals and acupuncturists do acupuncture. Dry needling is very well-known and popular in Tennessee

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