Functional Dry Needling (FDN) is a therapeutic technique that uses thin monofilament needles to treat muscle trigger points, which are creating pain and discomfort.
Dry Needling is a natural extension of quality hands-on therapy. To be effective, Dry Needling should not be performed as an isolated treatment, but as part of a comprehensive care plan; it is another very specific tool used to reduce pain and help patients better tolerate their physical therapy and tailored exercise plan.
Successful Dry Needling must be administered by a highly skilled manual therapist, with advanced training in anatomy and musculoskeletal function and dysfunction. Dry Needling will not replace the hands-on approach to your physical therapy treatment, but will be used as an adjunct to our current level of care.
Patrick Alt, Physical Therapist
Certified in Functional Dry Needling
Phone #: (641) 774-3213
Appointments in Physical Therapy
FAQs
Is Dry Needling Similar to Acupuncture?
Although they use similar thin filament needles, acupuncture and dry needling are two very different treatments. In contrast to most schools of acupuncture, dry needling is strictly based on Western medicine principles and research. Acupuncture is used to treat Traditional Chinese Medical diagnoses of visceral and systemic dysfunction, while dry needling is used to assess and treat myofascial pain. Dry needling relieves pain by inactivating trigger points within muscles.
What is a trigger point and how did I develop one?
Active trigger points consist of taught bands of tissue (knots within a muscle) and they can develop due to injury, musculoskeletal dysfunction, and overuse. Active trigger points impair a muscle’s ability to lengthen and contract causing dysfunction. As a result, this shortens and compresses the muscle causing an irritable nodule.
How can dry needling help me?
Dry needling can be used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal issues including: neck, back and shoulder pain; arm pain (tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, golfer’s elbow); tension headaches; knee and foot pain; buttock and leg pain (sciatica, hamstring strains, calf tightness/spasms); and more.
How much does Dry Needling cost?
LCHC charges $60 per Dry Needling session. Dry Needling is an out-of-pocket expense.
Are the needles sterile?
Yes, we only use sterile disposable needles.
How will I feel after having treatment done?
There may be some soreness immediately after treatment in the area of the body that was Dry Needled. This is normal, although does not always occur. Occasionally, soreness develops a few hours later, or even the next day. The soreness may vary depending on the area of the body that was treated, and also varies person-to-person, but typically it feels like you have had an intense workout at the gym. Occasionally patients will experience some bruising with this soreness. A patient may also feel tired, nauseous, emotional, and/or somewhat “out of it” after treatment. This is a normal response that only lasts an hour or two after treatment.
What are the risks?
As with any medical intervention there are associated risks. Those with bleeding disorders or recent surgery to the involved area may not receive the intervention. Risks involve minor bleeding and bruising.
Needle insertion pain, muscle soreness and post intervention fatigue are possible risk factors. Very rare complications are infection and pneumothorax (when the needled area is over the lung field.) Your physical therapist will screen you for contraindications prior to intervention in order to minimize associated risks.
Can I come in just for a Dry Needling session?
Appointments for Dry Needling are available without referral, however, we do recommend Dry Needling as part of a comprehensive physical therapy treatment plan.
