Dry Needling

Dry needling is a proven, effective solution to heal and restore soft tissues. While many of us run from the term “needling,” this treatment is actually painless, safe, and accessible. The word dry is used because the needles have no fluid on them (like in the case of getting a vaccine). The purpose of dry needling is to treat precise trigger points.

Trigger points are found in the following:

- - Shoulder
  - Head
  - Knee
  - Achilles tendon
  - Hip
  - And more

We’re often asked the difference between acupuncture and dry needling; in simple terms, acupuncture is centered around the flow of energy or Qi, while dry needling is essentially the sports version of that with a focus on muscle work.

This therapy utilizes ultra-thin needles in localized areas of the skin where soft tissues are injured, turning the tissues on and off through stimulation.

Dr. Donahue can repair the body and restore function using this all-natural, holistic method. Our safe solutions provide gentle yet effective care to those looking for pain remedies in the most responsible way.

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What is dry needling therapy?

Dry needling involves placing very thin needles in the skin at a superficial level to treat the muscular trigger points beneath it. The method is used to internally disrupt the affected soft tissues, working quickly due to the targeted approach.

Dry needling serves to treat pain and dysfunction in the musculoskeletal system, resetting the body and halting discomfort at the trigger points of the body. The technique is safe and can be used on various kinds of patients suffering from multiple injuries.

We work with several patients who have turned into true advocates of this procedure, even those who were skeptical or apprehensive initially. Our team will walk you through the process and ensure you feel confident with every step.

Benefits of dry needling therapy

Dry needling therapy is a smart and reliable way to help the body find balance through natural, restorative methods. The benefits of dry needling are plenty, and the procedure is simple, in many cases providing immediate results and an end to all symptoms at the source.

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Some benefits of using dry needling therapy include:

- Muscle and soft tissue repair
- Increased blood and oxygen circulation
- Fast and effective pain relief
- Increases recovery time
- Better movement patterns and flexibility
- Improved range of motion
- Improved sleep quality and energy levels
- No recovery time
- And more

We often use dry needling to help our patients suffering from sports injuries, overuse injuries, and muscle pain. Dr. Donahue will determine the best, most efficient way to heal and restore your body, often combining sports chiropractic services with dry needling for optimal results in less time.

FAQs regarding dry needling

What does dry needling therapy do?

Dry needling is an organic, noninvasive technique administered by a certified professional. The process promotes the restoration of soft tissues by administering thin needles in the skin over the injured trigger points to manage neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments.

Causes of trigger points include:

- - Repetitive muscle movements and overuse
  - Lifting heavy objects
  - Direct, acute injury
  - Poor posture
  - Tense muscles
  - Chronic stress

How is dry needling applied?

Dr. Donahue will have you sitting or lying at rest with the affected area exposed; he will place the ultra-thin needles in the skin directly over your injured soft tissue. The needles are inserted at a shallow 10mm and will generally stay in the skin for 10 to 15 minutes.

The number of sessions needed is based on the injury, its severity, and your comfort level.

Does dry needling therapy hurt?

During a dry needle therapy session, patients generally feel a slight twitch due to a quick contraction upon insertion. However, the treatment is typically pain-free as the needles are extremely thin.

After treatment, the treated area may feel sore, or you may experience a dull muscle ache for a couple of days after its administration, feeling as if the muscle has been worked out.

Our team will prepare you before your initial treatment, ensuring you feel comfortable with the process. We also nurture open dialogue throughout every dry needling session. Your treatment is always tailored to you.

Is dry needling therapy safe?

Dry needling is safe, efficient, and dependable. It works quickly and, in most cases, offers pain relief immediately. Using this solution, the body will restore its soft tissues and find its full function, allowing more active patients to keep training, preparing, and competing with no downtime.

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Will dry needling therapy help me?

Whether you have acute pain or chronic pain, dry needling can significantly benefit you. The sessions are quick and easy, and Dr. Donahue has the knowledge to find complementary services that make the techniques much more effective. If you’re trying to recover from an athletic event, have muscle pain due to overuse, or want to take a proactive approach to your health, dry needling is a responsible way to do it.

Dry needling therapy can be used on almost anyone, including:

- - High school athletes
  - College athletes
  - Sports competitors
  - Active people
  - Senior patients
  - Sedentary patients
  - Accident patients: work-related, car accident, slip and fall, exercise or sports injury
  - Overuse injury patients
  - And more

Some of the injuries our dry needling therapy will help with include:

- - Back and hip pain
  - Disc injury
  - Sprained ankle
  - Knee pain or motion loss in the knee, including jumper’s knee and runner’s knee
  - Neck pain or numbness
  - Low back numbness and tingling
  - Shoulder discomfort
  - Elbow and wrist pain
  - Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
  - Rotator cuff injury and shoulder pain
  - Ankle pain or motion loss in the ankle
  - Plantar fasciitis
  - Tendinitis
  - Chronic pain
  - Acute pain
  - Bursitis
  - Scar tissue
  - And more

Our sports chiropractor is ready to find solutions that cater to your needs. We want to help you find comfort, perform at your best, and get your quality of life back. Contact us to find out more.

Visit our St. Louis Sports Chiropractor

If you want to surround yourself with healthy, active, and natural care, our clinic is perfect for you. We’ll find the cause of your pain and treat it there, never masking it. Our chiropractic services get safe results naturally. Allowing the body to use its own healing powers is an excellent way to nurture and strengthen your well-being.

Some of the common sports chiropractic solutions we offer include:

- - Chiropractic adjustments
  - Instrument-assisted adjustments
  - Shockwave therapy
  - Sports rehabilitation
  - And more

Every plan we design is centered around your unique lifestyle and needs. We understand how the body works and know the best ways to optimize it. We’re ready to get to work whenever you are!

Book your appointment and make pain and discomfort a thing of the past.

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I found ActiveSTL, and yay for it!! I came in initially to establish care and work on some neck stiffness, but the team at ActiveSTL has helped rehab old injuries from torn calf and hamstring to continue rehabilitation on hip replacement. They didn’t just stick to adjustment but have employed dry needling, exercises, stretch, and ART.

ActiveSTL offers comprehensive care to keep you moving or get you back to active.

-Mikael H. // St. Louis, MO