Dry Needling
dry needling
Targeted Muscle Pain Relief Through Precision Care
Dry needling is a highly effective treatment for relieving muscle pain, tension, and movement restrictions caused by tight or irritated trigger points. At Family Care Chiropractic in Louisville, KY, Dr. Jaime Gonzalez, DC, offers dry needling as part of a comprehensive, drug-free approach to pain management and rehabilitation.
Whether you are dealing with chronic stiffness, injury recovery, or stress-related tension, dry needling may help reduce discomfort, improve mobility, and restore normal muscle function. This therapy is often used alongside chiropractic adjustments to enhance overall results and support long-term wellness.
What Is Dry Needling
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique that uses fine, sterile needles inserted directly into areas of muscular tension known as trigger points. These trigger points are tight knots or bands within the muscle that can cause localized or referred pain, reduce movement, and limit function.
The treatment works by stimulating the affected area to release the knot, increase circulation, and promote tissue healing. Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine and energy flow, dry needling is based on modern Western science and musculoskeletal anatomy.
Most patients experience a noticeable reduction in pain and tightness shortly after treatment, along with improved flexibility and range of motion.
Conditions Treated with Dry Needling
Dry needling is a versatile treatment that can address a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. At Family Care Chiropractic, we use it to support recovery from:
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Lower back pain
- Tension headaches and migraines
- Hip pain and sciatica
- Elbow and wrist pain, including tennis elbow
- Knee pain and muscle tightness
- Jaw pain and TMJ dysfunction
- Post-injury muscle stiffness
- Sports-related muscle strains
If you have been dealing with chronic tightness that has not responded to stretching or massage, dry needling may help by directly targeting the root of the tension.
Benefits of Dry Needling
Dry needling offers several key benefits for patients experiencing pain, stiffness, or muscle dysfunction:
- Relieves deep muscle tension not easily reached by other methods
- Increases blood flow and oxygen to damaged or tight areas
- Restores mobility and flexibility in affected muscles
- Reduces pain from trigger points and referred pain patterns
- Complements chiropractic and physical therapy treatments
- Helps prevent future injury by normalizing movement patterns
By integrating dry needling into a broader care plan, we can address both the muscular and structural components of your condition for longer-lasting results.
What to Expect During Treatment
During a dry needling session, Dr. Gonzalez will first evaluate your symptoms and determine which muscles and trigger points are contributing to your pain. A thin, sterile needle is then inserted into the affected area to produce a local twitch response, which helps release the tight band of muscle.
The procedure is typically well tolerated. You may feel a brief twitch, pressure, or mild soreness, which usually fades within a few hours. Many patients report immediate relief followed by improved movement and reduced pain over the next few days.
Dry needling may be performed as a standalone treatment or in combination with other therapies such as:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Electrical muscle stimulation
- Ice or heat therapy
- Assisted stretching
- Postural correction and home exercises
The number of sessions you may need depends on the severity and duration of your condition. Dr. Gonzalez will outline a treatment plan based on your goals and response to care.
Why Choose Family Care Chiropractic for Dry Needling
Dr. Jaime Gonzalez is trained in dry needling and has over two decades of experience treating complex muscle and joint conditions. Patients choose our clinic because we take a comprehensive and personalized approach to care, ensuring that each treatment is suited to your specific symptoms and recovery needs.
Our clinic offers:
- A licensed chiropractor with advanced training in dry needling
- A private and comfortable treatment environment
- Bilingual care in English and Spanish
- Flexible scheduling and appointment options
- Acceptance of most insurance plans
Whether you are an athlete, an office worker, or someone dealing with post-injury tension, we are here to help you move better, feel better, and recover naturally.
Schedule a Dry Needling Consultation Today
If you are experiencing ongoing muscle tightness, tension headaches, or pain that has not responded to other treatments, dry needling may be a helpful option. Let us evaluate your condition and determine if this therapy is right for you.