Dry Needling Therapy
To help relieve tension in the neck and shoulders; lower back; or hip; or fix a sports injury, physical therapists use dry needling as a method to release pain from those trigger points – a specific irritable spot in the muscle fibers.
What to Expect
By utilizing a tiny monofilament needle, the physical therapist will locate the trigger point in one or more muscles. Then, the PT will insert the needle to release the shortened bands of muscle tissue and decrease the overactive muscle activity. Dry needling should help reduce the muscle pain and dysfunction.
Next Step
Dry needling may be offered as a treatment option in conjunction with other physical therapy interventions following a thorough evaluation by your physical therapist. Dry needling is one tool that can be used to accomplish a desired outcome in combination with other treatment options. As with all treatment options in your plan of care, it’s good to discuss it with your healthcare provider. If you have additional questions, contact Mercy Physical Therapy at (319) 398-6020.
Insurance Coverage
Most insurances do not cover dry needling. You will be able to discuss this treatment further with your Physical Therapist and together determine if it is a recommended part of your treatment. Other interventions – such as manual therapy, ultrasound, electrical nerve stimulation, iontophoresis and, most important, exercises – may be used in combination with or instead of dry needling. If you choose to proceed with dry needling, you will be asked to fill out a form that indicates your understanding of the cost associated with the treatment. Ask your Physical Therapist for more information about dry needling.
Physical Therapists:
OP Physical Therapy Supervisor, Brian Jones, MPT
Brian received his master’s in physical therapy from the University of Evansville Physical Therapy Program in 1998. He completed the orthopedic clinical specialist program through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in 2006. He is certified in Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation. Brian’s professional interests include general orthopedics, sports injury, performance training and work conditioning.
Therapeutic Pain Specialist, Natalie Johnston, MPT
Natalie received her master’s in physical therapy from the University of Iowa Physical Therapy Program in 2000. She is certified as a Therapeutic Pain Specialist, Lifestyle medicine certified, selective functional movement assessment (SFMA) certified, as well as a yoga and trauma sensitive yoga instructor. Natalie’s professional interests include chronic and complex pain conditions, general orthopedics and sports injury.
