What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a technique specially trained physical therapists use for the treatment of pain and movement impairments. The technique uses a "dry" needle, which means one without medication or injection, inserted through the skin into painful areas of the muscle.

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Dry needling is not acupuncture, a practice based on traditional Chinese medicine and performed by acupuncturists. Dry needling is a part of modern Western medicine principles and supported by research and anatomical referred pain patterns.

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What Is a Trigger Point?

A trigger point is a taut band of skeletal muscle located within a larger muscle group. Trigger points can be tender to the touch, and touching a trigger point may cause pain to refer to other parts of the body.

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What Kind of Needles Are Used?

Dry needling involves a thin filiform needle that penetrates the skin and stimulates underlying myofascial trigger points and muscular and connective tissues. The needle allows a physical therapist to target tissues that are not manually palpable.

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Is Dry Needling Covered By My Insurance?

No... Dry needling is not currently covered by insurance carriers. Dry needling is also available at Madison Therapy & Wellness as a self-pay service for everyone. A discounted rate to add dry needling on to a scheduled PT visit is available. Contact our office to schedule your dry needling session.