Dry Needling Therapy
Acupuncture
Dry Needling Therapy in Oro Valley, AZ
Dry needling involves the use of very fine, sterile needles to treat muscle trigger points, which are tight muscle areas that are responsible for causing pain and movement limitation. Dr. Rezaei, who practices at Bluemoon Acupuncture in Oro Valley, is skilled at using dry needling along with acupuncture and sports medicine to treat various conditions.
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Key Features
- Treats the trigger points only and does not involve other acupuncture points.
- The treatment usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Usually causes mild pain to the patient, with some experiencing soreness after the therapy.
- Used together with acupuncture or sports medicine for quicker relief from pain.
- Conducted by a professional licensed in both techniques.
What is Dry Needling?
The “trigger points” that cause pain, stiffness, or limited movement are tiny knots of taut, overworked muscle tissue that are targeted by dry needling. Thin filiform needles are inserted directly into these points by a practitioner to help release the muscle and block the pain signal. The technique’s name comes from the fact that no fluid or medication is injected, and the needles are solid rather than hollow.
It is similar to acupuncture but not the same; acupuncture uses a larger network of points to treat pain, stress, and general balance by following the body’s broader energy pathways. Dry needling is more focused on motor point acupuncture because it targets the exact muscle or nerve entry point that is causing the issue. Since Dr. Rezaei at Bluemoon Acupuncture is skilled in both, your treatment plan may incorporate both techniques when doing so yields better results than using just one.
Dry needling has become particularly common for physical therapists, chiropractors, and sports physicians, as it works on the root cause of the muscle pain, rather than just suppressing the sensation.
How Dry Needling Works?
Upon insertion into the trigger point, a muscle twitch may occur, known as a “twitch response.” This does not mean that there is a problem occurring; rather, it means that the treatment is working. The muscle twitch shows that the muscle has been released from the abnormal contraction, after which there will be improved circulation of blood to the area, along with reduced irritants in the trigger point.
Dr. Rezaei uses this method along with her knowledge in sports medicine to detect the actual point of dysfunction in your body, which may be at a point other than where you are feeling the pain.
What Conditions Does Dry Needling Treat?
Dry needling is used to treat:
- Chronic muscle tightness - persistent muscle tightness which has not resolved with stretching and massage
- Back and neck pain - back and neck pain associated with poor posture or long periods of sitting
- Headaches and migraines - especially tension headaches arising from trigger points in the neck and shoulders
- Sciatica - tightness of muscles around the hip and glute area causing compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve
- Athletic injuries - strains and overuse of muscles among sports players
- Shoulder and joint restriction - shoulder and joint restriction, including frozen shoulder and rotator cuff tightness
- Post-injury muscle guarding - tightness of the muscles as the body’s protective response to an injury, even many years following the injury
Who Is Dry Needling For?
Dry needling works best on people who have:
- Have a specific area of tightness or pain rather than a more widespread type of discomfort
- Tried other therapies such as stretching, massage, and physical therapy, but the results were temporary.
- Injured themselves while playing sports or due to repetitive strain
- Pain that “radiates” from the tight area to another area.
If your pain is diffused in nature, stress-induced, or energy/wellness-related rather than coming from a specific muscle, then acupuncture, or a mix of the two, may be more suitable for you.
What to Expect During a Session?
At Bluemoon Acupuncture, a typical dry needling session begins with a brief discussion about the location of your pain, when it began, and what has improved or worsened it. After that, Dr. Rezaei will identify the relevant trigger points, which may be in the precise location of the pain or in a related muscle group that is causing it.
To elicit a twitch response, the needles are inserted directly into the designated trigger points and either gently manipulated or left in place for a brief period of time. Depending on the number of areas being treated, sessions typically last 20 to 30 minutes. The majority of patients experience a noticeable release of tension either right away or a day or two later.
Aftercare: What to Do or Avoid Post-Treatment
Slight discomfort lasting 24-48 hours post-procedure is expected; patients often describe the sensation as similar to a deep tissue massage or hard training session.
For optimal recovery:
Keep yourself hydrated, as it aids in the elimination of metabolic waste generated from the procedure
Stretching gently helps the muscle to settle without tightening the muscle
Use heat if you are sore. Heat packs alleviate any lingering soreness
Don’t engage in strenuous activity involving the muscle groups being treated for a few days
Avoid alcohol consumption the day of your procedure since it exacerbates soreness and dehydration
Expert Insights: Why Precision Matters in Dry Needling?
“Sometimes, the place that hurts isn’t the place where the problem begins. I always look a little deeper to understand what the body is trying to tell us.”
– Dr. Mojgan Rezaei
It is highly recommended that the correct muscle and trigger point be found before proceeding with treatment. This is because pain does not originate from the same spot that the individual experiences. The assessment process is therefore vital during the process. Dr. Mojgan Rezaei utilizes her expertise in sports medicine along with her experience in treating muscle and joint conditions to come up with a customized treatment plan for each patient.
Dr. Rezaei’s approach includes:
- Recognizing which muscles and trigger points are causing your pain
- Looking at the movement or injury that is causing the problem
- Using treatments that will be best for you
- Incorporating dry needling into a combination of treatments as necessary
- Changing your treatment plan as your symptoms evolve
Ready to Get Started?
Make an appointment and learn about what works best for you: dry needling, acupuncture, or a blend of the two for your pain management. The patients from Oro Valley, Tucson, Marana, Catalina and SaddleBrooke come to Dr. Rezaei for a customized plan of Dry Needling therapy.
Instead of using a one-size-fits-all strategy, the objective is to identify potential causes of your discomfort and decide whether dry needling, acupuncture, or a mix of methods is suitable. Patients with chronic muscle tightness, sports-related injuries, or limited mobility may find this tailored approach particularly beneficial.
FAQ’s
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Dry needling targets a “trigger point,” whereas acupuncture focuses on the energy flow in the body. Dr. Rezaei has expertise in both and can advise you based on your pain, which techniques suit you.
Muscle soreness may occur within the first 24 to 48 hours and is normal, as it does when you exercise intensively or undergo a deep tissue massage. It normally goes away without any treatment but can be eased through gentle activity and warm-up.
Yes, but it’s a good sign. The twitch is an indication that the muscle is releasing the tight knot that has been giving you trouble. This happens quickly and is generally not painful; it just feels strange.
Most individuals can continue with their usual activities. However, it would be best if they avoided any form of intense workout in the area where the treatment was done, as the muscles need some time to adjust.
Most patients experience some kind of result, be it immediate relief or decreased tightness, within one to two days after their first visit.
