Dry Needling

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Functional dry needling is a technique used by physical therapists to restore a muscle to normal function usually by releasing a trigger point.  A trigger point is a taught band in a muscle that causes pain either in that area or refers pain to another location. 

Functional dry needling uses a very thin needle and is inserted into the muscle to cause the muscle to "twitch" or contract and then subsequently relax the muscle.  It is called "dry" because their is no form of liquid or medication in the needle and injected.  The "functional" part is the type of training for dry needling techniques that includes a movement analysis and position or task specific for deciding what is to be needled and how.  These techniques used in our clinic are not based on random chi or energy points or Chinese medicine theories.  A thorough orthopedic assessment is performed, musculoskeletal or neuromuscular diagnosis is made, history reviewed, and then it is decided whether the patient is a good candidate for dry needling. 

Functional dry needling helps by releasing muscles that have been very difficult to release with other methods such as massage, stretching, or joint mobilizations (popping your joints).   Functional dry needling is also used to achieve relaxation quicker; therefore, shortening your rehabilitation time spent trying to release certain muscles.  Many patients have found they get pain relief much quicker and return to work, school, life activities, exercise, and sport much faster when dry needling is incorporated. 

The training for functional dry needling goes extensively into knowledge of trigger points and the varying ways they refer symptoms.  This knowledge has allowed Kali to help many people whose symptoms did not make since to the patient or were not being fixed with other medical professionals.  An example of this is persistent dizziness that other medical professionals have ruled out vertigo, BPPV, or other inner ear problems; often these cases actually end up being a muscular dysfunction in the neck. 

The needle itself is very thin and usually is not felt when penetrating the skin.  The part that is uncomfortable is when the needle hits the trigger point.  When it hits the trigger point the muscle can jump or "twitch", which is what you are looking for to release the muscle.  This can reproduce your pain or feel like an involuntary muscle contraction, which can just feel weird. 

Kali's methods for treatments include a strategic plan to minimize discomfort as much as possible while achieving the most relief.  Many clients state that her techniques are much less painful than other therapists' methods. 

After functional dry needling usually the area that is needled is sore.  This soreness also can occur after a massage or a work out.  The majority of the time the soreness lasts about 24 hours; there are a few instances the soreness can last 48 hours.  To decrease the soreness, Kali goes over specific stretches to be done over the next week but especially within that 24 hours.  Heat can also help relax the muscle during that time period or decrease the soreness.  Some people also like ice to help decrease their soreness. 

Less common reactions include fatigue after the session, which is also similar to after a massage or tough work out.  Rarely whenever dry needling is used in an area that has a history of trauma, the patient can have an emotional response.  Usually this can be predicted and the patient is warned and prepared for this. 

The risks include soreness after treatment (which is expected), bruising, or a pneumothorax.  Kali avoids bruising by thoroughly inspecting the area and planning ahead based on anatomical knowledge of large vessels and avoiding them.  

A pneumothorax is a collapse in part of the lung where air enters, this is a risk with dry needling to areas around the lung.  Kali's training was geared toward only learning the safest techniques to avoid this by not performing techniques that angle the needle toward the lung cavity.   Her training was by physical therapists that prioritized clean and safe techniques. 

Call or text (225) 421-4005. Give your name, number, and a brief description of what is going on.  If you have seen a physician, they can fax a referral to (949) 404-6721.  You can also text (225) 421-4005 or email kaliphysicaltherapy@gmail.com a picture of your referral .  Referrals are not required for an evaluation.