Dry Needling

Targeted pain relief, improved mobility, and reduced muscle tension in Mandeville and Metairie, LA.

Are aches and pains preventing you from doing what you love? Our physical therapists can determine whether dry needling is right for you as part of your personalized recovery plan.

A focused approach to pain and movement

You are not alone if you are experiencing pain or dysfunction; more than 50 million adults suffer from chronic pain each year. Dry needling is one of several treatment options available at Comprehensive Physical Therapy for patients in Mandeville and Metairie.

It is a therapeutic technique designed to encourage the body’s ability to heal while helping alleviate pain, improve mobility, and reduce muscle tension. After a thorough examination, our physical therapists will let you know whether dry needling is the best course of care for your needs.

We frequently combine dry needling with traditional exercise-based treatment to help patients pursue the pain-free results they seek.

How dry needling works

Dry needling is not acupuncture. While the therapies are similar in some ways, dry needling is based on western medical and research approaches.

To help relieve pain, reduce muscular tension, and increase movement, a sterilized needle is inserted between the skin and the affected tendons, ligaments, or muscles. The goal is to create an environment that supports the body’s natural healing ability.

Care tailored to you

Dry needling is never a one-size-fits-all solution. Your physical therapist begins with a thorough exam to understand the severity of your problem, your symptoms, medical history, health constraints, and goals.

When appropriate, dry needling can complement hands-on care and exercise to support a clear plan for recovery, improved function, and a return to the activities you enjoy.

Conditions dry needling may help address

This treatment method may benefit a wide variety of musculoskeletal disorders. Following an evaluation, your physical therapist can help determine if it belongs in your treatment plan.

Head, jaw & neck concerns

Dry needling may be considered for jaw pain, chronic headaches, neck pain, muscle spasms, and muscle tension affecting everyday movement.

Back, hip & nerve-related pain

Patients with back pain, hip pain, sciatica, acute or chronic injuries, and overuse injuries may benefit from an individualized plan that includes dry needling.

Muscle, tendon & joint concerns

Common concerns include muscle strains, tendinitis, golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, knee pain, joint discomfort, and fibromyalgia.

Will dry needling hurt?

Because of the name, many people believe dry needling is painful. The vast majority of our patients report little to no discomfort during and after in-office procedures. Our highly trained physical therapists work to make treatment as comfortable as possible.

Some patients may experience muscle discomfort for up to 48 hours after the procedure, but this usually resolves on its own. Cold and/or heat packs and plenty of fluids can be effective home remedies for sore muscles.

Ready to start treatment?

If chronic headaches, neck pain, an overuse injury, or another form of discomfort is holding you back, contact Comprehensive Physical Therapy. Our skilled team can help promote pain relief and guide your recovery.

Your next steps: request an appointment, receive a custom treatment plan, work toward your recovery, and enjoy life with less pain.