Dry Point Needling

What is Dry Point Needling?

Dry Point Needling (DPN) is a western, medical term that is used to differentiate from traditional acupuncture. Dry Point Needling is also used to differentiate from Wet Needling, where medicine or fluid is being injected to the site.

Dry Needling is the insertion of needles without medicine into, alongside, or around nerves, muscles, or connective tissues for the management of pain and dysfunction in neuromusculoskeletal conditions. It is a manual technique or treatment based upon modern, science-based principles. DPN uses fine solid filament needles with or without the application of electrical stimulation. We use sterile single-use disposable needles in a clean, safe environment to minimize risk of infection

Who can do Dry Point Needling?

In Mississippi, only licensed medical professionals, who have been educated and certified in this specific practice, can practice dry point needling. These professionals are overseen by the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure or Mississippi Board of Physical Therapy.

What are some common conditions that DPN has been found effective?

tendinitis
muscular strains
plantar fasciitis
carpal tunnel
nerve inhibition/ dysfunction
hard to heal ligament sprains
cervical neck pain/tightness
lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
low back strains/sprains
headaches/TMJ disorders

Benefits of Dry Point Needling:

Increase blood flow to a specific area
Increase cell activity to promote healing
Deeper manual technique with less tissue trauma
Stimulate nerves & nerve endings
Releases trigger points & tight fascia

What we are not doing?

Traditional eastern acupuncture or Oriental Medicine has the purpose of altering the flow of energy “Qi” along traditional Chinese meridians(channels) for the treatment of diseases or injuries. Acupuncture is done in certain spots and the penetration is very superficial. Dry Point Needling is considered much deeper, and applied specific to the conditions and symptoms with anatomical consideration.

Dry Needling A Literature Review
Dry Needling Resource Paper APTA