Dry Needling in Carbondale, IL

Dry needling is a safe and effective method of treatment performed by a licensed occupational therapist that works to reduce pain and muscle tension, while simultaneously improving mobility to help with activities of daily living. It has been proven to treat numerous musculoskeletal issues, including:

• Acute and chronic injuries
• Overuse injuries
• Neck pain
• Headaches
• Back pain & sciatica
• Muscle spasms & strains
• Tendinitis
• Knee & hip pain
• Fibromyalgia and chronic pain
• Sports injuries such as tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow
• …and more

If you are dealing with one of these conditions and you’re looking for relief, or if you’d like to gain more information on how dry needling could benefit you, contact [site-nam] in Carbondale and , IL today!

What exactly is dry needling?

This treatment method is used by our licensed Carbondale and , IL physical therapist as a way to relieve pain and increase mobility. When performing dry needling, our physicall therapist will insert a sterile acupuncture needle through the skin, into the underlying tendons, ligaments, or muscles that have been affected, in order to relieve pain, decrease muscle tension, and improve mobility. While it is a common misconception, dry needling is not acupuncture. It is based on a modern scientific study of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. While there are some similarities, dry needling is strictly based on Western medicine principles and research. It provides an environment that enhances the body’s ability to heal, ultimately reducing pain in the process.

Does it hurt?

Most of our patients report feeling little to no discomfort when undergoing dry needling treatments. Our highly-trained physical therapist knows how to make the process as painless as possible; however, some patients may still experience a “twitch response” with the insertion of the needle. This is comparable to a quick muscle cramp or ache. The 24-48 hours following a dry needling treatment may also result in muscle soreness, which should go away on its own. Sore muscles can be treated at home by applying ice and/or heat packs and drinking plenty of fluids. Other recommendations may be given to you based on your individual condition and plan of care.

Will dry needling benefit me?

There is a large variety of musculoskeletal issues that can be treated with dry needling. When paired with our advanced occupational therapy treatments, we have found that the vast majority of our patients achieved the health outcomes and goals they were aiming towards. After conducting a comprehensive evaluation to assess the nature of your condition, our Plano physical therapist will let you know if dry needling is the best course of treatment for you. We have used dry needling to treat several diverse conditions, from chronic pain sufferers to athletes experiencing delayed onset muscle soreness. Dry needling can speed up recovery time and allow you to return to your daily life as quickly as possible. If you are interested in our dry needling services in Carbondale and , IL, don’t hesitate to contact Synergy Therapeutic Group today to request a free discovery session. We’ll get you started on the path toward recovery!

Common Questions

Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?

No. Dry needling targets specific muscle trigger points to release them, based on Western anatomy and orthopedic principles. Acupuncture works with energy meridians from traditional Chinese medicine. The needles look similar but the technique, theory, and goals are different.

Does dry needling hurt?

Most patients feel a brief pinch as the needle enters the skin and a deep muscle twitch when it hits the trigger point. The twitch is the goal — it is how we know the trigger point released. You will likely be sore for 24–48 hours after, like the day after a hard workout. Moving helps.

How many dry needling sessions do I need?

Most patients see significant improvement within 3–6 sessions. Acute issues sometimes resolve in 1–2 sessions. Chronic patterns often need more. Dry needling works best alongside exercise and movement retraining — needling alone does not address why the trigger point formed.