When you’re dealing with any type of pain or injury, your Wyoming physical therapy experts will be able to recommend different treatment options to help you get out of pain for good. One of the most compelling and perhaps, intimidating, treatment methods is dry needling. If you’ve never experienced this treatment option, you likely aren’t sure what to expect or how the treatment works. Here are a few answers to the most frequently asked questions so you can prepare for your appointment with confidence.

Does It Hurt?
The first thing every patient wants and needs to know is whether dry needling hurts or if it’s fairly painless. The answer, unfortunately, isn’t simple. It largely depends on your personal pain tolerance. You will likely feel some discomfort or mild pain, but it should never be overwhelming. If at any point you feel that the treatment is too painful, tell your therapist immediately. 

How Large Are the Needles?
If you’re worried about dry needling feeling like you’re getting repeat injections during the treatment, don’t panic. The needles used are long, but they’re also thin. If you’ve ever seen an acupuncture needle, you have a general idea of what to expect. Because they’re so thin, any pain or discomfort you feel during the treatment will be short-lived. You may not even notice the needles after a few moments.

Are the Needles Clean?
Absolutely. Your Wyoming physical therapy team only uses sterilized needles for every single treatment. Once the treatment is over, they make sure to properly dispose of each needle to ensure your safety and the safety of future patients. 

Do I Have to Schedule Frequent Appointments?
Again, it largely depends on the individual. Some people experience relief after a single dry needling treatment while others need to schedule additional appointments. If you’re worried about those appointments, speak with your physical therapist and discuss your treatment plan. They’ll be able to tell you what will work best for your needs and your body.

Can Dry Needling Be combined With Other Treatments?
Yes. Think of dry needling as just one more tool in your arsenal to aid your recovery. If your physical therapist and doctor believe that you will benefit from additional treatment methods, they’ll make the appropriate recommendations. Ultimately, combining different treatments can help improve your recovery, but it always depends on your personal situation. Listen to their recommendations and see what they suggest. 

Dry Needling Can Help You on the Path to Recovery
Dry needling is a wonderful way to help your body improve its recovery time. If you’re interested in this treatment option and want to incorporate it into your physical therapy routine, discuss it with your therapist as soon as possible. 

At North Platte Physical Therapy, we want everyone to feel their best and recover as quickly and completely as possible. If you’re suffering from an injury and need to schedule a physical therapy appointment, don’t wait. Contact our team today to discuss your needs and get