Dry Needling — Norwalk, CT
DRY NEEDLING AT CLUTCH PT + PERFORMANCE IS ONLY PERFORMED BY A SKILLED, CERTIFIED DOCTOR OF Physical TherapY.
Dry needling uses a filiform needle to loosen myofascial trigger points, muscles and connective tissues to reduce pain and eliminate restrictions in range of motion. The needle is inserted directly into the myofascial restriction, where it’s needed most.
A cutting-edge intervention, dry needling is rooted in modern Western medicine where anatomy and neurophysiology play key roles. (This makes it distinctively different than acupuncture. There’s no element of woo-woo magic.)
DRY NEEDLING IS ESPECIALLY BENEFICIAL FOR ATHLETES.
Sports demand high levels of strength and coordination, requiring muscle synergies, activation patterns and neuromuscular control. After years of training and competing, an athlete’s body adapts. The muscles recruited the most become overactive and tight, while the ones who sit on the bench become overstretched and underactive. These imbalances kill performance goals, and lead to increased risk of injury. Every aspect of the body has be high functioning — dry needling can eliminate the things holding an athlete back.
DRY NEEDLING ACCELERATES THE REHAB PROCESS and manages pain.
Dry needling helps release trigger points (“knots.”) The release of these knots helps muscles contract and function more optimally, allowing full range of motion and proper strength output during sport. After practice or competition, when muscle tightness or DOMs (delayed onset muscle soreness) occurs, dry needling helps with tissue health and decreases pain by promoting blood flow. Dry needling can also break up post-surgical scar tissue, notably in ACL repairs.
What Does DRY NEEDLING FEEL LIKE?
First, your DPT has to target the trigger points which will involve some hands-on detective work. When the needle is is inserted, you’ll know it’s there… it’s not as bad as a flu shot, but less fun than a warm hug. Once the trigger point is contacted, the muscle may twitch or jump. You may be a bit sore later on from the lactic acid release in the restricted muscle, but it doesn’t last. Our athletes say the pros vastly outweigh the cons. Only one way to find out!
Have we listed enough benefits to get you to give it a shot? (Terrible needle pun, eh?) It can be performed on its own, or in conjunction with hands-on manual therapy.
Pssst: We can only perform dry needling in CT by Dr. Alex Sullivan, PT, DPT. Sorry! Ray-Ray is certified, but legally, DPTs are not allowed to offer it in NYC.