Functional Dry Needling in Cedar Park

Functional Dry Needling

Functional Dry Needling (FDN) therapy is a powerful modality utilized in treating trigger points and muscular dysfunction. It is a skilled intervention used by trained practitioners in which a thin filiform needle is used to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points, muscles, and connective tissues for the management of neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments. A trigger point describes a taut band of skeletal muscle located within a larger muscle group. Trigger points can be tender to the touch and can refer pain to distant parts of the body.

Trained therapists utilize dry needling to elicit a twitch response within the muscle causing biochemical changes. This twitch response is the necessary first step in releasing/inactivating the trigger points, improving muscle function and relieving pain.

Is Dry Needling Similar to Acupuncture?

Although both techniques use very fine, sterile needles that are inserted into various parts of the body, it is important to note the distinct differences.

Acupuncture balances Qi (energy) within the body and follows pathways called meridians. Functional Dry Needling focuses on soft tissue and does not take meridians into account.

FDN is specifically used to treat dysfunction within the local tissue. Both acupuncture and FDN can be used with and without muscle stimulation to help with treatment.

At Bell District Spine and Rehab, we do both acupuncture and dry needling. During the exam we can discuss which treatment option is best for you.

Does Dry Needling Hurt?

Typically, the insertion of the needle does not cause any pain or discomfort. The local twitch response can cause brief discomfort, feeling like an electric shock or cramping sensation. Most patients describe this as uncomfortable, but not painful.

Would Functional Dry Needling Help My Condition?

Functional Dry Needling can be very beneficial in many soft tissue complaints. An examination and determination of your underlying problem will tell us if FDN is right for you. After the exam, we will consider which modalities will get you back to health as soon as possible, discuss your options, and lay out a treatment plan.

Dry needling has been effective for resolving soft tissue dysfunction, such as, inflammation, tendonitis, contractures, trigger points, tissue adhesions, and various other musculoskeletal conditions. When combined with other manual therapy and functional exercise, dry needling can help alleviate the following conditions.

Acute and chronic tendonitis
Athletic and sports-related overuse injuries
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Chronic pain conditions
Frozen shoulder
Headaches and whiplash
Hip pain
Knee Pain
Low back pain

Motor vehicle accident related injuries
Muscle spasms
Plantar fasciitis
Post-surgical pain
Post-traumatic injuries
Repetitive strain injuries
Sciatic pain
Tennis elbow
TMJ

Call us at 512-257-2225 to schedule an appointment.

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I’m Dr. John Tuggle, my team and I are dedicated to helping you get out of pain and get you back to feeling great again.

Call us and tell us about your health issues and set up a consultation to discuss the treatment that will best get you back to optimum health.”

Dr. John Tuggle, D.C.

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At Bell District Spine and Rehab, we believe that every patient’s journey to recovery is unique and inspiring. Our video testimonials showcase real stories of individuals who have experienced life-changing results through our personalized care and treatments. By sharing their journeys, we hope to inspire others to take the first step toward a healthier, pain-free life.

Functional Dry Needling in Cedar Park