Dry Needling in Carmel & Zionsville
Dry Needling for Pain Relief in Carmel & Zionsville
If you’re suffering from chronic muscle pain, tightness, and restricted mobility, dry needling may be the solution you’ve been searching for. Offered by the skilled physical therapists at Restore Your Core Physical Therapy in Carmel, dry needling is a safe, effective treatment designed to reduce pain, muscle tension, trigger points, and inflammation in the body. Unlike traditional acupuncture, dry needling utilizes sterile disposable needles to specifically target painful knots and tight bands of muscle fiber that form when muscles are overworked, strained, or injured. These tense, painful areas restrict range of motion and contribute to ongoing pain and dysfunction throughout the body.
Is Dry Needling in Carmel Right for You?
Dry needling can benefit {men/women} of all ages seeking to address:
- Chronic neck, shoulder, or back pain
- Repetitive strain injuries (tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis)
- Post-surgical pain and stiffness
- Migraines and tension headaches
- Restricted mobility due to muscle knots and tension
If you have localized areas of intense, persistent pain paired with limited mobility or flexibility, dry needling may provide the pinpointed pain relief you need to finally relax and move freely once again. And because our experienced physical therapists are in charge of the needles, you can feel confident you’re receiving precise, effective treatment tailored specifically to address your unique pain profile. No guesswork here.
How Dry Needling Works to Relieve Pain Fast
Dry needling focuses specifically on trigger points – highly irritable knots or bands within a muscle that cause localized pain that often radiates throughout the body. These contracted areas keep muscles in a constant state of tension, ischemia (low oxygen), and inflammation. This impairs circulation, restricts joint mobility, stunts healing, and transmits pain signals to the brain which then amplifies the pain sensation.
Dry needling uses ultra-thin needles to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points. This mechanical disruption causes the muscle fibers to suddenly contract and then release, improving mobility and flexibility. Additional theories suggest the micro-trauma may help “reset” the chronic contraction of muscle. As the needle is removed, increased blood flow to the area further reduces ischemia and transports inflammation-reducing chemicals to help heal the sensitized knot of muscle fiber. Cumulative effects of repeated needling of a trigger point can provide progressive, long-lasting relief.
Benefits of Dry Needling Include:
- Immediate, pinpointed reduction in muscle and trigger point pain
- Decreased muscle tension, stiffness, and inflammation
- Increased mobility, flexibility, and range of motion
- Fewer headaches and reduced referred/radiating pain
- Accelerated injury recovery
- Enhanced sports performance
- Improved posture due to release of tension throughout kinetic chain
- Reduced use of medications, including pain killers and NSAIDs
Restore Your Core Physical Therapy has impacted my life in a very unique way. After a workout, my hip was in tremendous pain and it traveled to my lower back. After an exam with my doctor, he recommended I see Amy with Restore Your Core Physical Therapy. I’ve made a compete turn around without any medication-just physical therapy! She also helped me with my pelvic floor. She and her team are gifted at understanding my issues, giving me doable, effective exercises, and offering hope when I wasn’t sure what my outcome could be. They have a genuine concern for each patient. The team is very professional and supportive, and I would shout from the rooftop that anyone who needs this type of PT go to Restore Your Core Physical Therapy!
I started seeing Meredith after giving birth to my 3rd child. I was having horrible heal pain and pain in my lower back and hip. Meredith worked on my pelvic floor and released my c-section scar and my heal pain is completely gone! I feel progress every time I go. She explains everything she does and why she is doing it. Beyond thankful for her and all she has done to get me back moving without pain!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dry Needling hurt?
Some discomfort may be felt as the needle passes through the skin, but typically no significant pain is felt when needling muscle tissue deeper beneath the skin. Most patients feel little to no pain during dry needling therapy though sensations vary.
What happens during a typical dry needling session?
- A typical session lasts 20-30 minutes and begins with a physical exam to assess posture, mobility restrictions, and palpate for trigger points. Your therapist determines the affected muscles and accessible trigger points to target.
- The skin is cleaned and sterile needles are quickly inserted through the skin into the underlying trigger points and muscle fibers. Depth of penetration varies based on the muscle targeted.
- After placement, the needle may by manipulated slightly depending on the reaction of the muscle and your feedback. No injecting occurs – the goal is simply mechanical disruption of contracted tissues.
- Once existing trigger points are deactivated and the muscle releases, the needle is removed and subsequent points addressed. Muscles are rested between needle placements to maximize benefit.
- At the end of the session we will stretching, massage, or use other modalities to strengthen and stabilize the area treated.
What if i feel too much pain during a session?
Your comfort is our priority during dry needling therapy. Please communicate with your Restore Your Core Physical Therapy Physical Therapy therapist if you feel any significant pain or discomfort during the session. They will adjust the angle, depth, or location of the needle based on your feedback. Therapy intensity can also be turned down or stopped at any time at your request.
Meet Your Dry Needling Specialists
You can count on the highest quality care from our team of skilled clinicians specializing in dry needling, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise prescription.
Dr. Hannah Schoening PT, DPT, CLT
With years practicing in outpatient orthopedics, Dr. Hannah Schoening expertise spans a wide variety of common injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, and chronic pain management. Patients praise their caring bedside manner, precise needling accuracy, and ability to explain complex diagnoses in easy-to-understand language.
Start Healing Today
If chronic muscle pain or restricted mobility has you sidelined from the activities you love most, take the first step toward relief by scheduling a thorough evaluation with our dry needling experts at Restore Your Core Physical Therapy. Call (317) 559-2673 or request an appointment online to get started. We look forward to helping you move, feel, and live better.
About The Author
Amy Robinson, a Owner, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, empowers patients to unlock their full potential in PT, DPT, PRPC, CLT, WHNC. Years of experience fuel their passion for helping individuals reclaim vibrant lives. At Restore Your Core Physical Therapy in Carmel & Zionsville, Amy Robinson combines innovative techniques with personalized care, tackling a broad spectrum of physical challenges.