Dry Needling
Dry needling physical therapy uses thin, solid needles, with no medication, placed in tight muscle knots called trigger points to reduce pain and muscle tension. Joint Effort Physical Therapy offers trigger point dry needling in Hot Springs, Arkansas, after an evaluation shows it fits your plan. Looking for dry needling near me? Our clinic is on Airport Road.
How trigger point dry needling works
Your physical therapist inserts a sterile needle through the skin into the tight muscle, tendon or ligament that is causing trouble. The aim is to reduce pain and muscle tension and improve how you move. This is sometimes called intramuscular stimulation.
It is a part of your plan, not the whole plan. We pair it with exercise and hands-on care, so the muscle keeps the change.
Dry needling vs acupuncture
The needles look alike. The approach does not.
Dry needling
Based on modern study of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems and aimed at muscles and trigger points. It rests on Western medicine principles.
Acupuncture
A separate practice with its own training and ideas. We do not offer dry needling as acupuncture and make no claims about organs or energy.
Does dry needling hurt?
Most patients report little to no discomfort. Here is what to expect.
At the needle
The needle is thin, and our therapists work to make this as painless as possible.
A twitch response
Some people feel a quick muscle cramp or ache as the needle goes in. It passes quickly.
The next 24 to 48 hours
The muscle may feel sore, and the soreness goes away on its own. Ice or heat and plenty of fluids can help at home.
Who is it for, and where on the body
After a full evaluation, Rob Jordan, PT tells you whether needling is right for you. It can be used for neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, headaches, elbow pain such as tennis or golfer’s elbow, hip pain, knee pain, foot and ankle pain, sports injuries and long-lasting chronic pain, including muscle spasms and strains. The body-area pages explain each in detail.
In the photo above, needles are linked to an electrical unit, a pairing covered on our electrical stimulation page. Your therapist decides whether that fits your case.
Who should not have dry needling
Tell your therapist before treatment if any of these apply. We may choose another approach.
- A bleeding disorder
- You take blood thinners. Ask first, and ask your doctor too
- You are pregnant. Some areas are avoided
- You have a strong fear of needles
Coverage and what comes alongside
Dry needling usually sits next to manual therapy and myofascial release. How dry needling is billed is something our staff can tell you when you call. Joint Effort Physical Therapy accepts most major commercial and private insurances, and the insurance page lists the plans it does not take. Self-pay is $85 per visit.
Not sure whether your plan needs a referral? Call us. As a courtesy, we verify your health benefits before you arrive.
Dry needling care in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Joint Effort Physical Therapy treats Dry needling at our Hot Springs clinic, 1880 Airport Rd., Suite C.
Not sure whether your plan needs a referral? Call us. As a courtesy, we verify your health benefits before you arrive.
Meet the people who treat you on our team page.