Early pain reduction is a high priority in our office, and as such we use a combination of services in order to get patients out of pain quickly. One technique that we have found it to be extremely effective in creating a significant analgesic “pain reducing” effect is the use of dry needling. Dry needling or dry needling therapy, although similar to medical acupuncture is different in that this targeted approach is aimed at addressing intramuscular trigger points and dysfunction, whereas Acupuncture is focus on the balance of energy within the body.

When we perform a musculoskeletal examination and find soft tissue problems – a muscle that’s doing too much or not enough – in the past traditional management would be using passive therapies like ultrasound and electrical stimulation. Because of new research we’ve learned that a well-placed dry needle right into a trigger point or right into the soft tissue can reset that muscle with less pain and less work than sometimes even manual muscle work can do.  In the clinic our licensed medical acupuncturist Catherine Ho places dry needles where appropriate in combination with Dr. Leonard’s treatment.

Trigger points are a significant cause of not only acute pain but also chronic pain disorders. Have you ever heard anyone say “I have had this knot in my neck forever!” That “knot” is actually a chronic trigger point. Common techniques over the years have focused on mashing, smashing and stretching these tissues, even as extreme as injecting a local anesthetic or neuro toxin to paralyze the muscle. Dry needling therapy provides a safe and extremely comfortable approach to managing these painful muscles.  Research has even shown dry needling therapy is as effective as injections for the short term relief of painful muscular trigger points.

Along with the other clinical tools the combination of dry needling has proven to provide significant relief in those suffering from common MSK dysfunctions.

Do you have a chronic knot in your muscle?

Do you have your spouse press on the same painful spot only to have it come back?

If you answered yes to either of these questions or if you have a musculoskelatal injury, then you should seriously consider a trial of dry needling therapy.  Click here to contact us now to set up an evaluation to see if you would be a good candidate for dry needling therapy in Columbus.