If you experience acute or chronic pain, dry needling might be a solution. The procedure involves the insertion of thin, medication-free needles — hence the name “dry” needles — into areas of muscle called trigger points to lessen pain and improve range of motion.
“Dry needling can help treat many types of discomfort, including headaches and pain in the neck, shoulders, arms, back and legs,” said Michael Milanoski, DPT, supervisor of rehab therapy services at Saint Joseph Mount Sterling.
Specially trained physical therapists perform dry needling at CHI Saint Joseph Health – Outpatient Rehabilitation locations in Mount Sterling, Berea and Flemingsburg. The procedure is available as a standalone treatment or as part of a longer physical therapy session.
Prior to treatment, patients undergo a physical exam to determine where to insert the needles and how many to use. Milanoski said the number of dry needling treatments prescribed varies and is based on several factors, including age and whether the pain is acute or chronic.
“Importantly, the needles don’t hurt while going through the skin, although some individuals may experience a mild burning sensation or muscle twitching,” Milanoski said. “Dry needling is a great tool for improving acute or chronic conditions as part of a physical therapy program.”
To learn more about CHI Saint Joseph Health – Outpatient Rehabilitation and find a location near you, visit CHISaintJosephHealth.org/otptspeech.
A version of this article originally appeared in the Spring 2022 print edition of Spirit of Health.
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Spirit of Health magazine's print edition is distributed quarterly and focuses on topics related to our CHI Saint Joseph Health purpose and values.
