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Is Dry Needling Good for Arthritis?

by | Aug 17, 2023 | Treatment Techniques

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If you’re one of the millions of people worldwide affected by arthritis, you’re likely looking for a solution to end your pain and stiffness. One treatment option you may encounter in your research is dry needling. But what exactly is dry needling, and can it really help alleviate the discomfort caused by arthritis? 

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is an increasingly popular treatment that continues to show great outcomes with patients suffering from a wide variety of symptoms. Dry needling is performed by utilizing a small, thin needle to penetrate the skin to improve the environment of the designated area for healing.

➡ Related Content: Everything You Need To Know About Dry Needling

This process might sound very similar to acupuncture – which also uses needles as a treatment. However, acupuncture comes from traditional Chinese treatment and is a whole-body, energy-based approach. Dry needling, by contrast, is performed by physical therapists to treat a specific musculoskeletal condition or pain.

➡ Related Content: Are Dry Needling and Acupuncture the Same?

Dry Needling for Arthritis

Dry needling can be an effective treatment option for arthritis as part of a full physical therapy plan. Any muscle, ligament, tendon, joint, or scar tissue can be needled. Trigger points – hyperirritable spots located in skeletal muscle – often develop in muscles that cross arthritic joints. Dry needling increases blood flow and oxygen to the affected tissues as well as promotes release of our body’s self-made opioids. This helps increase range of motion, decrease muscle tone, and decrease pain. For that reason, dry needling can be used as an effective pain reliever for those with arthritis. 

➡ Related Content: How to Treat Post-Injury Degenerative Joint Disease

Treatment Options at PRO Therapy

Dry needling is just one of the many treatment options we offer on your path to healing. For some, it’s not necessary. For others, it can provide tremendously positive results. It all depends on your body and its specific needs. That’s why we can’t say dry needling is perfect for everyone – because we don’t know until we meet with you!  

Are you currently dealing with arthritis? Give us a call! We offer complimentary phone and in-person consultations. We aim to meet our patients wherever they are in their journey and answer all questions we can to ensure a smooth experience at PRO Therapy. We want to help you make the best decision for you!

 

Dr. Kevin Spahr
Dr. Kevin Spahr
Dr. Kevin Spahr has extensive expertise in post-surgical rehab, work-related injuries, sports injuries and motor vehicle accidents. He has clinical experience in treating all regions of the body including neck, back, shoulder, elbow, hand/wrist, hip, knee, and ankle/foot orthopedic conditions.
Dr. Kevin Spahr
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