Dry Needling For Pain Relief Available at Clear Lake Physical Therapy and Rehab Specialists

At Clear Lake Physical Therapy and Rehab Specialists (CLPTRS), our team is always seeking advanced techniques to help patients recover more efficiently and feel their best. One such technique gaining popularity among both therapists and patients is dry needling, a modern treatment that targets muscular pain and dysfunction with impressive results.

Dry needling involves the use of very thin, solid needles, similar to acupuncture needles, that are inserted into trigger points or tight areas within the muscles. While the technique may sound intimidating, it’s a safe and effective tool that can relieve pain, increase flexibility, and improve muscular function.

Tessa Traynor, DPT, is one of the physical therapists at CLPTRS who has undergone advanced training in a method known as Integrative Dry Needling. This newer approach goes beyond just addressing muscle trigger points. It also focuses on what are called “homeostatic neurotrigger points,” or nerve bundles that influence pain and dysfunction in surrounding areas.

“Dry needling is a very beneficial form of therapy to help with reducing pain and improving muscular function,” says Tessa. “Although the needles are very thin (acupuncture needles), they hold a lot of power within the deeper tissues.”

She explains that targeting the nerve bundles near a painful area helps reduce discomfort more effectively. “I wanted to learn about this form of needling as it builds on my basic needling skills of just targeting trigger points to better treat my patients. We have had significant improvement in our patients, being able to reduce pain and improve their function more quickly. I enjoy dry needling due to the immediate effects of it and the enjoyment patients get from it!”

Dry needling can be especially effective for patients dealing with chronic pain, sports injuries, tension headaches, muscle stiffness, and even post-surgical discomfort. It’s often combined with traditional physical therapy treatments like exercise and manual therapy for optimal results.

Kyle Larson, DPT, Clinic Director at CLPTRS, offers a unique perspective. “At first, I was hesitant to learn about it because I am fearful of needles,” he admits. “After my training class, my fears were gone as it was not painful at all, and I had a whole new perspective on how this treatment could be a great tool to use for patients.” Like Tessa, the success stories of his colleagues and the growing body of research motivated Kyle to support the method. “There is a lot of great research out there demonstrating the effectiveness of the treatment when used in combination with exercise.”

He’s already seen meaningful outcomes in his patients. “I have seen very quick results in the first few weeks of learning how to dry needle, even after the first session. Most patients say they feel less pain and are more flexible after sessions involving dry needling.”

At CLPTRS, the integration of dry needling into personalized treatment plans is just one more way the team delivers cutting-edge care with a compassionate touch. Whether you’re dealing with lingering pain, recovering from an injury, or looking to move more freely, dry needling might be a powerful next step on your path to healing. Call us today at (715) 263-4103.