>> What is Dry Needling?
Dry Needling is a treatment technique where a trained Physical Therapist inserts a small, filament needle into the affected or painful tissue, often known as a trigger point. The insertion of the needle into the tissue allows for a release of the tightness and evokes a healing response to the area.
 

>> What is a trigger point?
A trigger point is a hyper-irritable muscle that presents as a taut band of contracted muscle fibers. These are sometimes thought of as muscle “knots” and can cause local or referred pain.
 

>> What conditions can it treat?
Dry Needling can be used to treat headaches, low back pain, shoulder pain, hip/leg pain, muscle cramps/tightness, and symptoms of numbness/tingling. It can also help speed up the
healing process following an injury such as a sprain/strain of a ligament or muscle.
 

>> Is it the same as acupuncture?
No. Dry Needling and acupuncture are two completely different treatments. Here’s why: Dry needling uses research based evidence to target dysfunctional muscles, tissues, or nerves. We insert the needle into the impaired tissue itself. Acupuncture is based upon Western medicine beliefs of affecting the energy flow pathways or “meridians” of the body.
 

>> How do I get treatment?
If you are interesting in dry needling, please contact McCook Therapy at (605) 425-3303 for a FREE consultation!