Dry Needling In Ankeny, IA

A Targeted Treatment to Help You Move Better

Sometimes pain, muscle tightness, or restricted movement can make it difficult to do the things you normally enjoy.

Dry needling is one treatment technique we may use to address certain muscle and soft tissue problems and help you move more comfortably.

But the goal isn’t simply to treat a muscle or reduce a symptom.

The goal is to help you move better, build back your strength, and get back to the activities you love.

At Stewart Sport & Spine PT, we don’t use dry needling for every patient. We first evaluate what’s going on and determine whether it makes sense for your specific situation.

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling uses a very thin, sterile needle inserted into specific areas of muscle or soft tissue.

Your physical therapist may target areas that are painful, tight, sensitive, or contributing to a movement problem.

The treatment can create a local response in the muscle and may help reduce muscle tension and improve movement or comfort.

Dry needling is different from acupuncture. Although both use thin needles, dry needling is based on a physical therapy assessment of your movement, muscles, and musculoskeletal condition.

How Can Dry Needling Help?

Depending on your individual condition, dry needling may be used to help:

• Reduce muscle tightness and sensitivity
• Improve movement
• Decrease pain or discomfort
• Address trigger points
• Improve tolerance to exercise and movement
• Complement your rehabilitation program

Dry needling isn’t a magic fix, and it isn’t appropriate for every condition.

That’s why we focus on understanding why you’re having the problem before deciding whether dry needling belongs in your treatment plan.

What Does Dry Needling Feel Like?

Everyone responds differently.

You may feel a brief prick when the needle is inserted. When the needle reaches the targeted tissue, you may experience a brief twitch, cramping sensation, or ache.

Your therapist will explain what you’re likely to feel and will adjust the treatment based on your response.

It’s also possible to experience temporary soreness after treatment, similar to what you might feel after exercise.

What Can I Expect During Treatment?

Your physical therapist will first evaluate your movement and determine whether dry needling may be appropriate.

If it is, we’ll explain what we’re doing and why we’re targeting a particular area.

Dry needling may be used on its own during part of a session or combined with other treatments such as:

• Therapeutic exercise
• Mobility work
• Manual therapy
• Strength training
• Movement retraining

The treatment you receive should always have a purpose.

If dry needling helps create an opportunity for you to move better and progress your rehabilitation, we’ll use it. If something else is a better option, we’ll tell you that instead.

Is Dry Needling Safe?

Dry needling is generally considered safe when performed by a properly trained healthcare professional.
Temporary soreness, bruising, or minor bleeding can occur. Your physical therapist will review your health history and determine whether dry needling is appropriate for you before treatment.

We’ll also explain the procedure, potential risks, and what you can expect during and after treatment.

Is Dry Needling Right for You?

You don’t need to walk into our clinic knowing which treatment you need.

That’s our job.

At Stewart Sport & Spine PT, we start by understanding your problem, your goals, and what is preventing you from doing what you want to do.

Then we build a treatment plan around those findings.

If dry needling can help, we’ll explain why we’re recommending it. If another treatment—or even another provider—is a better option, we’ll be honest about that too.

The Goal Is Getting You Back to Your Life

Whether you’re trying to get back to running, lifting, golfing, playing pickleball, working, exercising, or simply moving without constantly thinking about your symptoms, your treatment should move you toward that goal.
Finally understand WHY you hurt and leave with a clear plan for getting back to the life you love.

Not Sure What You Need?

That’s okay.

When you don’t know what’s wrong or what to do next, Stewart Sport & Spine PT will give you honest answers, explain what’s happening, and guide you toward the best path forward.