Menu

Dry Needling

What is Dry Needling?

Dry Needling, also known as Intramuscular Stimulation, is an effective technique used to treat pain arising from muscles and/or nerves at Gallagher Chiropractic and Wellness Center, in Charlotte, NC. Dry needling involves inserting a needle, without medication or injection, into an area of the muscle known as a trigger point.  A trigger point is an irritable, hard “knot” within a muscle that is painful when palpated and can produce significant pain over a large area. Trigger points are very common and can often make everyday tasks difficult. Often, these trigger points may be too deep to be effectively treated by other treatment techniques.

Dry Needling

How does Dry Needling work?

Dry needling works by advancing the needle into the trigger point, which causes the muscle to grab onto the needle in an attempt to repel the needle. This is called a localized twitch response. This localized twitch response is necessary in order to deactivate the trigger point and relax the muscle. This can result in significant pain relief, decrease muscle tension, increase the range of motion, and promote a return to activity.

What can I expect to feel with Dry Needling?

Many people may not feel the needle insert into the skin. However, once a localized twitch response is elicited, the discomfort can vary drastically. Many people describe the feeling as a muscle cramp once a localized twitch response is elicited. People will soon learn to recognize and even welcome the sensation, as deactivating the trigger point reduce decrease pain, restore muscle length and improve function.

What conditions can Dry Needling treat?

A broad range of musculoskeletal injuries can be treated effectively with dry needling. These include, but are not limited to, the following:    

Who will benefit from Dry Needling?

Prior to treatment, there will be a thorough assessment to determine if you may benefit from Dry Needling. If you are a good candidate, sessions will vary from 1-2 times/week. Other forms of therapy, such as manual therapy or exercise, chiropractic care, or low level light and laser therapy may also be added as part of your treatment, . The total number of treatment sessions will vary depending on a number of factors, including the cause and duration of the symptoms, your general health, and your satisfaction with the outcome.

How is Dry Needling different from Acupuncture?

Dry needling is different from Traditional Acupuncture. Both methods do involve inserting a needle into the tissue. However, there are significant differences in the evaluation, application and overall goal of the treatment. Acupuncture, also offered at Gallagher Chiropractic and Wellness Center,involves inserting needles along a meridian based on Eastern Medicine principles in order to re-establish chi, or life energy, back in the body. Dry needling involves an examination of the neuromuscular system and insertion of a needle directly into hyperirritable spots within the muscle in order to de-activate it, and thus, decrease pain and restore function.

Is there research evidence supporting Dry Needling?

Yes. A recent, high quality review of several studies found dry needling can be effective in providing immediate pain relief after treatment and at 4 weeks post treatment in patients with upper body muscle pain1. There has not been enough research evidence to determine its effectiveness on lower body conditions. However, your doctor can still help treat many lower body injuries with dry needling. 


Inquire about Dry Needling Today

The staff at Gallagher Chiropractic and Wellness Center is dedicated to helping patients reduce their pain and address the underlying cause of discomfort.  Contact Gallagher Chiropractic and Wellness Center specialists at (704) 542-6500 to schedule your initial consultation and create an individualized treatment program to manage your pain today. 

Gallagher Chiropractic and Wellness Center is located at 7810 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy # 101, Charlotte, NC  28277.


Gallagher Chiropractic and Wellness Center Services

The services we offer to treat the majority of conditions are as follows:


CONTACT GALLAGHER CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS TODAY

We look forward to servicing and working with you for improved health and wellness.

Locations

Find us on the map

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:30 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-1:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

1:00 pm-6:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-2:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed