Most people associate needles with causing pain, not alleviating it. In fact, there’s even a name for the fear of needles: trypanophobia. More than 50 million Americans report suffering from it. We get it, needles can be scary. But, in the right hands, needles can actually make you feel better.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a pain-treatment process that uses very small, very thin needles. A trained therapist administers needles into muscles to ease tightness and spasms. It's also been reported to improve flexibility and range of motion. Commonly used to treat muscle pain from sports injuries, it can also aid in recovery after certain types of orthopedic surgeries. If you’re already seeing a physical therapist, inquire if dry needling could be a solution for you.

Why Use Dry Needling?

Not to be confused with acupuncture, dry needling is a targeted system for pain relief. It’s also referred to as trigger point dry needling. Your physical therapist might recommend dry needling for a variety of reasons. If your muscles are too tight this can often cause pain. Some muscles are difficult to stretch or don’t respond to other strategies. Inserted into trigger points, dry needling causes the muscles to twitch, which then helps them to relax. It’s an interesting sensation, but not at all painful! Needles can also increase blood flow and provide other nerve benefits. So there's no need to be scared.

Getting to the Point

Dry needling can be a safe alternative to other pain control methods. It’s a legitimate and regulated service. Physical therapists can only perform dry needling if they’ve been licensed through extra education. In Louisiana, therapists have to have at least two years of professional experience before even getting trained in dry needling. After that, they need to complete a minimum of 50 hours of face-to-face dry-needling instruction and study. This board-approved process ensures your therapist is knowledgeable and skilled at dry needling.

Dry Needling in Baton Rouge

Peak Performance Physical Therapy offers trigger point dry needling to our patients at all of our locations. Trust our licensed and trained staff with your needs and concerns. If you have questions about dry needling or any of our other effective treatments, contact us. We have so many satisfied patients who’ve been able to find relief and regain control of their lives with Peak. Find our clinics throughout the Greater Baton Rouge area, including ones in Dutchtown, Denham Springs, and Port Allen. There’s bound to be one convenient for you!