top of page

Dry Needling Can Help Speed Up Recovery In Active Adults

Writer's picture: Dr. Hanna ShaysDr. Hanna Shays

Dry needling is rooted in ancient Eastern medicine as a form of acupuncture. Now, through modern scientific understanding, dry needling has evolved into a valuable tool that has become part of the arsenal of physical therapists. Recently, this technique has become a hot topic in the field of physical therapy- especially in Florida, as it was recently approved for physical therapists in the state to perform dry needling in 2020.


Giving credit where credit is due

Dry needling traces its origins back to ancient China, where it was an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Practitioners used thin needles to stimulate specific points on the body, aiming to restore the flow of qi, or vital energy, and alleviate pain. This ancient practice laid the foundation for modern dry needling techniques, albeit with significant advancements in understanding human anatomy and physiology.


Evolution of Technique:

The modern incarnation of dry needling began to take shape in the mid-20th century when Dr. Janet Travell, a pioneering physician, integrated concepts from traditional Chinese acupuncture with Western medical principles. Dr. Travell's work focused on identifying and treating myofascial trigger points—localized areas of muscular tension that contribute to pain and dysfunction. Her innovative approach laid the groundwork for the development of current dry needling techniques.


Clinical Integration:

Dry needling gained recognition within the physical therapy community in the latter half of the 20th century, as therapists sought effective strategies to address musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. By inserting fine needles into trigger points within muscles, physical therapists could elicit therapeutic responses, including pain relief, improved range of motion, and enhanced muscle function. Over time, empirical evidence and clinical trials bolstered the credibility of dry needling as a safe and effective adjunct to traditional physical therapy interventions.


Contemporary Applications:

In the 21st century, dry needling has become increasingly used in physical therapy practice. Therapists undergo specialized training to master the technique, ensuring proficiency in accurate needle placement and patient safety. Today, dry needling is utilized to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including chronic pain, sports injuries, scar tissue, arthritis, sciatica, and much more.


One of the primary benefits of dry needling is its ability to target specific areas of muscular tension and dysfunction. Active adults often experience tightness and trigger points within their muscles due to repetitive movements, overuse, or inadequate recovery. Dry needling involves the insertion of thin needles directly into these trigger points, eliciting a local twitch response and stimulating muscle relaxation. By releasing tension and restoring optimal muscle function, dry needling facilitates faster recovery from injuries and helps prevent future recurrences.


Our Training in Dry Needling

Dr. Shays received her training through the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy in Boynton Beach, FL in 2022. She plans to expand her skillset through more continuing education this Fall through Integrative Dry Needling in Clearwater, FL.


Many therapists choose to take only one course in dry needling during their career, but due to wide demand from new patients, Dr. Shays plans to expand her skillset to separate her from other therapists in the region.


Wondering if Dry Needling is Right for You?

Curious to see if dry needling could be useful in treating your condition? Get scheduled as soon as this week with Dr. Shays in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Tequesta, or Juno Beach!


☎️ Phone: 561-231-0401


Dry Needling Performed on a Patient's Right Shoulder Blade
Dry Needling Performed on a Patient's Right Shoulder Blade

9 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comentários


Join Our Email List

Receive free education on health topics & stay up-to-date on our latest activity

Thanks for submitting!

IMG_2333.jpg

©2024 by Stability In Wellness, LLC

Privacy Policy // Terms & Conditions

bottom of page