Pain management is an important facet of medical care these days. Many of the protocols depend on pharmaceutical drugs. Those who are afraid of getting hooked on prescription medication, or others who find drugs an incomplete answer, may want to investigate dry needling Pennsylvania clinic therapy. This therapy has slowly gained in popularity since its beginnings over forty years ago.
The therapy, developed over forty years ago, is on the surface a combination of acupuncture and western medicine. The true philosophy is different from the ancient Chinese therapy, but for the laymen the similarities help to gain an understanding of what to expect. Needles are inserted through the skin in a manner similar to acupuncture. However, the target is not an energy meridian but a particular area of deep muscle tissue.
The needle used can be either solid - like an acupuncture needle - or hollow. Hollow ones are used to inject local anesthetic, corticosteroids, or other liquids into a precise spot that the therapist wants to affect. The needle elicits a desired response from a muscle; its use as an instrument for injections is of secondary importance.
Muscles sometimes knot up, as their tissue contracts and fails to release. This can be in response to tension over an extended period of time or to a sudden stress, as in a sports injury. This contraction causes pain at the immediate site and possibly in other areas of the body. The added strain can affect skeletal alignment and other muscles or connective tissue. Massage may help muscles to relax, but if manual manipulation is not enough, further measures may be called for.
If manual manipulation (massage) is not able to release the knots, the use of properly placed needles can offer help. Torn ligaments and tendons can also be targeted to accelerate healing. Needling improves muscle tone and flexibility, too. The restoration of normal movement is a great benefit to those crippled with pain or injured in sports.
The treatment is relatively painless in most cases. Most people don't feel the needle pass through the skin, just as in acupuncture. However, the penetration into deep tissue can cause cramping, although this is not usually severe enough to cause more than temporary discomfort. Bruising can result, and some soreness may persist for a day or two following treatment. Soaking in Epsom salts or applying ice packs can help relieve these minor side effects. Mild physical activity is recommended following a treatment, although strenuous activity is not.
The average course of treatment is two to four sessions. This treatment is used extensively in sports medicine and in pain management. It is considered a very safe and non-invasive way to provide relief and promote healing. Side effects may be similar to those of deep tissue massage, mainly tiredness and soreness.
Many clinics in Pennsylvania offer this therapy. The therapists on staff will be able to explain the purpose of the treatment, as well as particulars of the technique. Needling holds promise for those who struggle with chronic pain, like a sore back, which can affect a person's whole quality of life. It also has applications in sports medicine and healing.
The therapy, developed over forty years ago, is on the surface a combination of acupuncture and western medicine. The true philosophy is different from the ancient Chinese therapy, but for the laymen the similarities help to gain an understanding of what to expect. Needles are inserted through the skin in a manner similar to acupuncture. However, the target is not an energy meridian but a particular area of deep muscle tissue.
The needle used can be either solid - like an acupuncture needle - or hollow. Hollow ones are used to inject local anesthetic, corticosteroids, or other liquids into a precise spot that the therapist wants to affect. The needle elicits a desired response from a muscle; its use as an instrument for injections is of secondary importance.
Muscles sometimes knot up, as their tissue contracts and fails to release. This can be in response to tension over an extended period of time or to a sudden stress, as in a sports injury. This contraction causes pain at the immediate site and possibly in other areas of the body. The added strain can affect skeletal alignment and other muscles or connective tissue. Massage may help muscles to relax, but if manual manipulation is not enough, further measures may be called for.
If manual manipulation (massage) is not able to release the knots, the use of properly placed needles can offer help. Torn ligaments and tendons can also be targeted to accelerate healing. Needling improves muscle tone and flexibility, too. The restoration of normal movement is a great benefit to those crippled with pain or injured in sports.
The treatment is relatively painless in most cases. Most people don't feel the needle pass through the skin, just as in acupuncture. However, the penetration into deep tissue can cause cramping, although this is not usually severe enough to cause more than temporary discomfort. Bruising can result, and some soreness may persist for a day or two following treatment. Soaking in Epsom salts or applying ice packs can help relieve these minor side effects. Mild physical activity is recommended following a treatment, although strenuous activity is not.
The average course of treatment is two to four sessions. This treatment is used extensively in sports medicine and in pain management. It is considered a very safe and non-invasive way to provide relief and promote healing. Side effects may be similar to those of deep tissue massage, mainly tiredness and soreness.
Many clinics in Pennsylvania offer this therapy. The therapists on staff will be able to explain the purpose of the treatment, as well as particulars of the technique. Needling holds promise for those who struggle with chronic pain, like a sore back, which can affect a person's whole quality of life. It also has applications in sports medicine and healing.
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When searching for important information about dry needling Pennsylvania patients should take a tour of our official website. All the related facts about this therapy can be reviewed on this page at http://www.primalphysicaltherapy.com.