The sciatic nerve is the thickest and longest nerve in the body, running from the lower back down through the hips, buttocks, and legs. Sciatica is a painful condition that results from sciatic nerve compression, irritation, or injury. People with sciatica typically experience pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness along the sciatic pathway.
Northwest physical therapy can help treat sciatica with dry needling. Patients undergoing the treatment may experience relief and improved movement. Discover the intricacies of dry needling and how it may benefit sciatica patients.
What Is Dry Needling Like?
Dry needling is a technique used to manage pain and improve movement in the muscles and at trigger points — knots, tightness, pinched nerves, or damaged tissue resulting from stress, injury, repetitive strain, and poor posture. Practitioners use thin, solid filiform needles and insert them into trigger points or surrounding muscles. The process is similar to acupuncture.
The needle insertion can cause muscles to twitch, a reflex contraction. Therapists believe the reflexive response helps release tension, allowing more unrestrained movement and reducing pain.
A dry needling session at Totem Lake physical therapy may last around 30 minutes, depending on the severity of the condition. Before a therapist begins a session, they will assess the condition and identify the trigger points.
With the trigger points identified, the practitioner inserts the sterile needles. Most people feel minimal discomfort during the process because the needles are incredibly thin. Each needle is left in place for a specific time, several seconds to a few minutes, depending on the technique.
Physical therapists and other medical professionals consider dry needling safe when performed by a qualified healthcare professional. Still, patients must understand the potential side effects, which include soreness, bruising, and minor bleeding.
Benefits of Dry Needling
There are many potential benefits to using dry needling on patients with sciatica. First, the primary reason to use the method is for pain relief. The needles, inserted into tight muscles, release tension and can ease the pain and pressure affecting the sciatic nerve.
Second, dry needling can improve a patient’s range of motion. By releasing trigger points, the practitioner helps loosen tight muscles, easing movement and mobility.
Third, the therapy may reduce inflammation. By eliminating or reducing trigger points, dry needling allows fluid to evacuate restricted areas, lowering swelling and easing inflammation.
Finally, dry needling can improve blood flow to the affected areas of the sciatic nerve pathway. Increased blood flow can promote healing, which can reduce pain and speed up recovery.
Physical therapy Mount Vernon, WA, offers dry needling. If you are curious about the practice, consult a qualified medical professional to learn more.
Sciatica is a painful condition. Dry needling is a therapy method that may help reduce pain and promote healing, but patients should discuss treatment with a licensed physical therapist. Contact a local practice in your area and request a consultation to learn more about dry needling and other treatments that may get you on the road to recovery. Physical therapists can work with your medical team to ensure you get the best treatment possible.
