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Dry Needling

Dry Needling is a treatment technique that utilizes thin, solid filament needles to deactivate and desensitize the myofascial trigger points, or the knots in muscles and tissue that cause pain, decreased flexibility, and decreased function.

“After sitting in an awkward position at a football game, I woke up the next day with my back in knots. It hurt to sit at my computer at work and I was scared I would be in pain during my upcoming vacation. OSPT was able to get me in for a treatment that afternoon. I was admittedly doubtful about dry needling, but the next day the pain was completely gone. I was able to enjoy my vacation pain and tension-free!” – Katherine M.

So is it similar to Acupuncture?

No… the only similarity is that dry needling and acupuncture use the same type of needle. Dry needling is based on anatomy and neurophysiology, and its aim is to needle the altered or dysfunctional trigger points in order to improve or restore function. Traditional Acupuncture aims to promote health and restore “energetic balance” by stimulating certain acupuncture points found along certain meridians throughout the body.

How does it work? Does it hurt?

Using sterile, disposable needles, we insert the needle tip into a trigger point. When the needle tip hits a trigger point, an involuntary ‘local twitch’ happens in the muscle. This local twitch response is the most important part of deactivating the trigger point, because it confirms the source of dysfunction or pain.

As far as pain goes, most people do not feel the insertion of the needle. The local twitch response elicits a very brief cramping or aching sensation.

What types of problems does dry needling treat?

Muscle dysfunction can be a primary or secondary contributing factor of many musculoskeletal conditions. Thus, dry needling can benefit anyone suffering from headaches, neck pain, repetitive stress injuries, muscle tendonitis, rotator cuff impingement, frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, sciatica, muscle strains, iliotibial band syndrome, patellofemoral dysfunction, and plantar fasciitis… just to name a few!

What Can Trigger Point Dry Needling at OSPT Do for You?

  • Resolve seemingly hopeless issues, particularly for those who are dealing with chronic or persistent pain syndromes
  • Allow you to perform your desired daily tasks, attend work, and participate in recreational activities you love, without pain
  • Return you to your optimal level of function very quickly

How long does it take for the procedure to work? Will I be sore afterwards?

In some cases, decreased pain and improved mobility is immediate. Typically, it takes a few treatment sessions for a lasting positive effect. Again, we are working to create permanent changes in these trigger points so it may take a couple visits to decrease pain and restore optimal muscle function.

It is typical to experience soreness in the area treated for 1-2 days, but it’s quite tolerable for most people and is easily alleviated with cold/heat and stretching.

The OSPTKY Difference

Specialty-Level Care

Target your discomfort at the source with a customized treatment plan.

More Board Certified Experts

Experience high-quality care from a team you can trust.

Caring Physical Therapists

Gain a team of therapists committed to your recovery.

Dry Needling Treatment Locations

Jeffersonville

590 Missouri Avenue, Ste 201
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
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Hamburg

1868 Plaudit Place
Suite B
Lexington, KY 40509
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Lexington

230 W. Main Street
Suite B
Lexington, KY 40507
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Lincoln County

132 Frontier Boulevard
​Suite 106
Stanford, KY 40484
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Louisville

11330 Maple Brook Drive
Louisville, KY 40241
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Richmond

171 North Keeneland Drive
Richmond, KY 40475
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Performance Physical Therapy

460 East Brannon Road
Nicholasville, KY 40356
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Danville

474 Whirlaway Drive
Danville, KY 40422
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • A physical therapy visit lasts about 40-60 minutes. The actual contents of the visit vary based on your diagnosis/need, but typically what happens is:

    1. You check in with the receptionist, make any appointments necessary, and we discuss your health insurance benefits with you.
    2. You go into the gym. You can change clothes if you need to, then begin therapy.
    3. You perform 6-8 various exercises and stretches. These can include therapeutic band exercises, light body weight exercises, or minimal weights. The stretches will promote strength, stability, improved range of motion, and pain relief.
    4. We can initiate other techniques to include manual work, taping, cupping, and dry needling as needed.
    5. The therapist makes recommendations based on your progress. These can include altering the frequency of visits, making additions/alterations to your home exercise plan, or things to do before your next visit.
  • We recommend budgeting 40-60 minutes for a typical therapy session. The only exception to this will be your first visit, which can take about 20 minutes longer due to the physical therapy evaluation your therapist will provide. We also recommend showing up about 10-15 minutes early to your first visit. This way, you can complete the paperwork before your visit time and streamline the process.

  • If we are asking you to do something that is hurting too much, let us know! Physical therapy should not be severely painful. It is not common to be so sore that patients are in pain or it affects their daily life. If this ever happens during or after an appointment, let us know and we will adapt your program.

  • During your initial evaluation, your therapist may ask you a number of questions to determine what the cause of your pain is. This can include questions about your sleep habits, activity level, and work environment. They will also ask for a medical history, and then typically ask direct questions about where and when you experience pain.

Have more questions? Contact Us

People in Louisville, Lexington & Southern Indiana Trust OSPTKY

Hear from patients that reclaimed their lives.

My therapist listened to me and used my history as her previous patient to treat me and I achieved pain relief after the 2nd session. I'm so thankful for her expertise and kindness.

5 stars

Kathyrn H.

OSPTKY Patient

PT was my last resort and they came through with flying colors. It is amazing how much my pain has gone away in a week. My therapist is extremely knowledgeable and was quick to know my issue. The entire staff is very organized and extremely nice!!

5 stars

Lindsey W.

OSPTKY Patient

Besides the absolute friendliest people in the world... I trust what these professionals say for me to do to become stronger!

5 stars

Nathan K.

OSPTKY Patient

The staff are all 110% top-notch! The goal is to not need to come to PT anymore but the dynamics and atmosphere they have created make you miss them as people! As an athlete, it is common for other athletes to ask for recommendations on who to see upon an injury, majority of the time OSPTKY & crew come up as the go-to solution! Life & aging are tough, they help make it stronger & easier!!!!

5 stars

Tyler W.

OSPTKY Patient
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