HD Physical
Therapy is pleased to announce that we now offer Dry Needling Therapy. HDPT
co-founder, president and physical therapist, Dr. Glenn D’Addario, MSPT, DPT,
has completed the required training of Foundations in Dry Needling 1 through
S&F Education. Structure & Function Dry Needling (SFDN) is a system of
dry needling developed by Sue Falsone, PT, MS, SCS, ATC, CSCS, COMT, RYT
utilizing the most recent science and evidence in dry needling, as well as her
vast experience with rehabilitation and performance of professional athletes.
What is Dry Needling?
While the name may sound
intimidating, dry needling is a safe and effective technique for patients with
certain musculoskeletal presentations; it is
used for the treatment of pain and movement impairments. Muscles, tendons,
fascia, joint capsules, ligaments and scar tissue can be treated. It uses a
"dry" needle, one without medication or injection, inserted through
the skin into affected areas of the muscle called trigger points.
Dry
needling is NOT acupuncture, a practice based on traditional Chinese medicine
and performed by acupuncturists. Dry needling is part of modern Western
medicine principles that include the evaluation of pain
patterns, posture, movement impairments, function and orthopedic tests. Only the soft tissue directly related to the
condition is needled and it is performed by skilled, trained physical
therapists, certified in the procedure.
What is a Trigger Point?
A trigger point is a local contracture or tight band in a muscle fiber that can disrupt function, restrict range of motion, refer pain or cause local tenderness. When dry needling is applied to a dysfunctional muscle or trigger point, it can decrease banding or tightness, increase blood flow, and reduce local and referred pain.
Why Dry Needling?
Physical
therapists use dry needling to release or inactivate these trigger points to
relieve pain and/or improve range of motion. Research shows it improves pain
control, reduces muscle tension and normalizes dysfunctions of the motor end
plates, the sites at which nerve impulses are transmitted to muscles. It
can change the way the brain and muscles talk to each other to let the system
return to a more normal movement pattern; this can help speed up a patient's return to active
rehabilitation.
Dry needling is
almost always used as a part of an overall treatment plan that also includes
some type of therapeutic exercise, manual therapy and education.
What Kind of Needles Are Used?
Dry
needling involves a thin, sterile, disposable filiform needle that penetrates the skin. Physical
therapists wear gloves and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when
dry needling, consistent with Standard Precautions, Guide to Infection
Prevention for Outpatient Settings and OSHA standards. The sterile needles are
disposed of in a medical sharps collector.
Is Dry Needling
Covered by My Health Insurance?
While research indicates dry needling is a
safe and effective approach for treating and managing pain, most insurance
companies do not yet reimburse for the procedure; it is a cash-based service.
If you are interested in learning more about
dry needling, or scheduling an appointment with Dr. D’Addario, kindly call
either office today!
