LEARN MORE
DRY NEEDLING
DRY NEEDLING
AT VOLTEX
PHYSICAL THERAPY
We’re excited to offer dry needling as a core part of our treatment options. Dry needling, administered by Dr. Hector Tricas, is considered a specialized minimally invasive intervention that uses thin needles used to manage acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain and movement impairments. It is called “dry” because no chemical solution is involved in the insertion. Dr. Hector Tricas is dry needling certified Level 1 and level 2 by the Institute for Athelete Regeneration (IAR).
How Does Dry Needling Work?
Though the precise mechanisms of dry needling are still under investigation, research proposes neurophysiological, mechanical and chemical effects. By creating local twitch response (involuntary contraction of the muscle) release the taught bands and muscle tension, dry needling prompts favorable biochemical changes that aid in pain reduction due to a release of endogenous opiods. Additionally, the needle creates local inflammation that activates the bodies natural tissue healing. All of this plays a crucial role in disrupting the pain cycle, promoting healing, and restoring optimal muscle function.
Is Dry Needling Similar to Acupuncture?
While similarities exist between dry needling and acupuncture on the treatment of musculoskeletal pain, it’s crucial to note their distinctions. At Voltex Physical Therapy, Dr. Hector Tricas specializes in Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) dry needling, grounded in Western medicine principles and research, which requires a medical diagnosis, comprehensive medical exam, requires human anatomy knowledge and re-assessment is necessary to gauge the response. Unlike acupuncture, which follows traditional Chinese medicine principles without requiring medical exam, medical diagnoses, needles are placed in meridian points not in specific muscles and response to treatment is not considered.
Conditions Treated with Dry Needling
Dry needling effectively addresses a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurophysiological dysfuctions from mechanical stress, direct trauma, repetitive overuse, faulty movement patterns, and others like:
- Scar tissue, contractures, muscle strains causing neck, jaw, back, and shoulder pain
- Tendon dysfuction causing arm pain (e.g., tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome)
- Acute or chronic headaches (including migraines and tension-type headaches)
- Acute or chronic low back pain with or without radiating symptoms (e.g., sciatica, hamstring strains)
- Overtraining, burnout related to athletic demands, muscle tension and muscle deficiency.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
During: Most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure, with some experiencing a brief, tolerable sensation akin to a small electric shock or muscle cramp.
Post-treatment: Most patients report soreness right after your session or later in the day, this typically lasts 24-48 hours. The type of soreness might feel like you had an intense workout at the gym.
Recommendations Post-treatment: We recommend you to continue exercising (take things a little easier), go for a long walk, massage the area, use a heating pad, and take Tylenol or Ibuprofen (if you’re very sore).
Integration into Your Rehabilitation Program
Dry needling is often integrated into your tailored rehabilitation program at Voltex Physical Therapy. It may be utilized initially to disrupt the pain cycle and facilitate subsequent treatments. As part of our comprehensive approach to care, dry needling complements other therapeutic interventions to optimize your recovery journey and improve your overall well-being. Experience the benefits of dry needling at Voltex Physical Therapy and keep doing what you love without pain.
Contact us today (512) 200-4067 to schedule your FREE 15-min consultation.