How Long Do the Needles Stay in during Dry Needling

Dry needling may be a treatment that you’ve heard about in passing, but what exactly is it, and what does it treat?

Although it sounds intimidating, it is a safe procedure that’s done for patients who have certain musculoskeletal issues—so dry needling can be for neck pain and headaches as well as back pain and other muscle groups! The technique is done with minimal discomfort for patients, as an extremely thin monofilament needle comes into contact with certain trigger points in the muscle to relieve pain and impairments.

As this needle treatment has risen in popularity over the past few years as an effective way to manage pain, people have started to ask many questions—such as how long needles stay in during treatment.

Here’s everything you need to know about dry needling and how it can benefit your health.

Dry Needles vs. Other Needles

The needles used in this treatment are very different from those used in administering vaccines, medication, or drawing blood. Dry needling uses the thinnest needles that are eight times smaller, making the experience virtually painless.

While some areas may feel a little bit of discomfort, the pain symptoms this treatment is addressing is typically more painful in comparison.

Getting Started

During the first session, your practitioner will brief you on whether dry needling will benefit the symptoms you’re experiencing. You can also go over any concerns about the procedure at that time. For your first visit, or first few visits, your practitioner can leave the needles in for a shorter duration. Each session total takes about thirty minutes.

How Long Do the Needles Stay in During Treatment?

During your treatment, needles can be placed superficially or deeply, depending on the type of pain being addressed. Also, the length of time that the needles will be left in will vary. For simple relief, the needle may only be inserted for a few seconds. For deeper pain, the needles can be left inserted for 10 to 15 minutes.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

The number of needle treatments you need will depend on the kind of pain you have. Those with acute pain may need only one session, while individuals with chronic pain may require several treatments to feel better. If you don’t feel the effects after the first session, then continue with more treatments, as dry needling has a cumulative effect! Your practitioner will determine the frequency and duration of your treatment after your first session based on your condition.

How Quickly Will It Work and How Long Does It Last?

After dry needling, experiencing some slight soreness is normal, and you will typically note an improvement in your symptoms within one to two days. How long the benefits will last will vary per individual. The first few treatments will usually have a short length of relief spanning over several days. With every subsequent treatment, your practitioner’s goal is to lengthen the relief you experience from treatment. Typically, every session will end in less soreness, and result in quicker and longer-lasting results.

The Effectiveness of Dry Needling

Dry needling is beneficial for conditions that treat any pain and dysfunction in the musculoskeletal system. Conditions that are typically treated are pain points found in the back, neck, shoulder, tendonitis, carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, knee pain, and shin splints.

It has also been proven to be incredibly effective for patients suffering from long-term or chronic pain that doesn’t resolve with other pain management programs. An example of this would be dry needling and sciatica, which is pain along the sciatic nerve that affects one side of the body. Dry needling can address the nerve pain that branches out from the lower back and down to the hips, buttocks, and legs. There’s also dry needling for neuropathy in feet, which treats a condition where people experience tingling, numbing, or jabbing pain in the feet. By pinpointing specific muscle trigger points, dry needling can treat muscle spasms, nerve pain, and other recurring aches.

Working with a Dry Needling Professional

Whether the treatment is for acute or chronic pain, those seeking treatment should look for well-practiced professionals to administer it. Finding the right practitioner is crucial since needle treatments are very delicate and require a certain level of care, precision, and expertise on the targeted muscle points. Whether it’s your first time or not, dry needling undoubtedly continues to be an effective way to relieve several sources of pain.

Dry Needling Treatments in Jacksonville

Dry needling is a treatment that requires the best practitioners for the most effective results. Dr. Chanatry offers top-quality dry needle treatments in Jacksonville. We provide services for clients with all types of needs, such as athletes in recovery, those with chronic back pain, and individuals seeking arthritis relief. Schedule your appointment with us today!