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What Is Functional Dry Needling?

Last updated on April 13, 2020 By Kira Davis MPT Leave a Comment

functional dry needling
Functional dry needling is a modality that is becoming more commonly used in treatments for musculoskeletal injury. But what is it? Often times patients may see dry needling happening in the physical therapy office and say, “Wow, I didn’t know you guys do acupuncture!” Well, we do not provide acupuncture at PhysioDC, but we do provide functional dry needling.

What is functional dry needling?

Functional dry needling is a simple looking modality that looks very similar to acupuncture, considering we use similar equipment. The theory behind this modality is very complex, but we would like to do our best in trying to have you understand. In dry needling, we are using a monofilament small diameter needle to be placed in a particular muscle. The needles may vary in length from 30 mm to 100 mm. The needle length is determined by the depth of the muscle that is being treated.

Once the needle has been placed in the desired muscle at the desired depth, the needle may be pistoned or have electric stimulation applied to help create the desired outcome. This is noted as the needle effect, which is immediate analgesia or pain relief. When it comes to long term benefits of physical therapy, I think most providers would agree that it is the restorative movement patterns that foster positive therapeutic outcomes. All of the modalities that therapists use are just to help our patients be able to practice restorative movement patterns. The modalities help decrease swelling, pain, muscle tension, and – in the case of functional dry needling – help to increase neuromuscular recruitment.

functional dry needling

Who does functional dry needling help?

This modality helps those that are having trouble with achieving range of motion and neuromuscular strength due to pain caused by muscle tension. This treatment is not particular helpful for those that are suffering from other joint or neurological dysfunctions. Prior to getting treatment, the therapist would complete a neuromuscular exam that would involve discussing the history of symptoms. The therapist would then look at functional movements and check out the recruitment ability of various muscles. Lastly the therapist would likely palpate the muscles to see if there is any tenderness or palpable knots or trigger points.

Are there risks to dry needling?

As with all treatments, there are risks. Some are, of course, worse than others. A provider that is doing functional dry needling should have been properly educated and trained on safe and effective techniques. The historical intake will determine if there are contraindications or precautions for dry needling. The biggest contraindications to note, which we place on our consent to treat documentation, ask if the patient is pregnant, immune-compromised, or is taking blood thinners. There are other precautions to note that the treating therapist would rule out.

If you feel like you may benefit from this type of treatment, contact us and let us help you out at PhysioDC. We are always here for you.

Filed Under: Physical Therapy



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About Kira Davis MPT

Kira Davis has been practicing as a licensed physical therapist (license #PT870656) in the outpatient orthopedic setting since 2006 in the metropolitan Washington, DC area. She received her Masters of Physical therapy in 2005 from Howard University and her Bachelor of Science with a concentration in the Pre-Physical Therapy program in 2003 from Howard University. She has experience addressing many types of sports injuries and is herself an avid soccer player. Trained in classical dance since the age of 3 and an active dance student, she strives to be one of the area's elite physical therapists for the dance community.

FTC Compliance Disclaimer: PhysioDC.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com; proceeds from product sales help cover the operational & maintenance costs for the site.

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DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for Educational Purposes Only and is not designed to diagnose, treat, mitigate, prevent or cure any health conditions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated statements about these health topics or any suggested product compositions. Answers to questions submitted are merely the opinion of the physical therapist and should not be taken as a prescribed course of action. Any advice given by the therapist must be cleared with the treating physician involved in direct patient care. The person posing the question absolves the responder of any liability in regards to opinions given. PhysioDC insists that all patients receive approval from a prescribing physician prior to starting a structured exercise program involving any of the exercises included on this site. PhysioDC.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com; proceeds from product sales help cover the operational & maintenance costs for the site.