Dry Needling in California
Dry needling is a targeted approach that primarily focuses on pain relief by stimulating the body’s natural healing properties.
Dry needling for treatment for musculoskeletal pain
Our expert dry needling services offer effective treatments to alleviate pain and enhance mobility. Experience the benefits of Dry Needling physical therapy in Newport Beach. Say goodbye to discomfort with dry needling in Orange County, California.
Dr. Pierce is one of the only chiropractors or acupuncturists in California formally trained and certified in dry needling. The procedure involves inserting thin needles directly into myofascial trigger points or dysfunctional tissues, often eliciting a local twitch response to relax the affected muscles. It aims to alleviate pain, improve flexibility, and accelerate healing within the targeted muscles, tendons, bone and ligaments. Electrical current may also be applied to needles as an additional tool to modulate pain or facilitate muscle contraction.
Dry needling is grounded in Western anatomical and physiological knowledge. It is based on the understanding of trigger points, their referral pain patterns, and the interactions between muscles, nerves, and connective tissues. Dry needling treatments are designed to specifically address these physiological mechanisms rather than focusing on energy flow.
The primary goal is to target the precise trigger points or dysfunctional tissues. The needles are inserted directly into the affected areas. Some manipulation of the needle is performed to elicit a local twitch response. The local twitch response achieved through dry needling is distinct from the sensations experienced in acupuncture. In addition to muscle belly, tendons, ligaments and even bony attachment points may be targeted.
Electrical stimulation: Electrical current may also be applied to needles to further enhance the pain relieving effects of dry needling, and is also sometimes applied in traditional acupuncture treatments as well. Electro-acupuncture combines the best of traditional and contemporary treatment principles for effective relief.
Dr. Pierce is both a licensed acupuncturist and is additionally certified in dry needling and holds a master dry needling certification.
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Dry Needling is a treatment technique where thin, filiform needles are inserted through the skin into pathological areas of the muscle known as "trigger points." They’re used to relieve myofascial pain and muscle spasm. The needles used are the same ones in traditional acupuncture therapy, and no medication is injected.
Dry needling is a safe and effective treatment for painful, stiff muscles that are causing functional issues. Restoring normal muscle tone through this “reset” improves how you feel and how you function. When performing dry needling, there may be a "twitch response" where the specific band of muscle involuntarily contracts as a reaction to insertion of the needle.
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Acupuncture and dry needling share some similarities and some distinct differences. Both methods use solid needles. Dry needling is applied with different intention than acupuncture. Dry needling uses conventional orthopedic examination and historical findings to determine how and where treatment will be provided. Dry needling involves deep needling, with more manipulation or movement of the needle and is characterized by an involuntary twitch elicited in the muscle by the needles. The needles may be immediately removed or left in for 15-20 minutes. Electrical stimulation may also be applied.
Acupuncture is based in traditional Chinese medicine principles. Points along meridians are emphasized. There are techniques in Chinese medicine where non-meridian, tender points are used called “ashi” points. Acupuncture also uses needle manipulation and deep needling.
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In the state of California, the only practitioners who can legally perform dry needling services are licensed acupuncturists and medical doctors. In other states laws vary and dry needling certifications are valid for physical therapists, chiropractors or other trained providers. Dr. Pierce holds certification to perform dry needling independent from her training as an acupuncturist.
Dry needling for pain
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Dry needling, or trigger point specific sports acupuncture is an intervention for relieving muscle pain and tension and improving function. There is more assertive needle manipulation and electrical current may also be applied to enhance the effects of the therapy. Initial visit includes history and examination to determine if dry needling is appropriate for your case.
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Dry needling, or trigger point specific sports acupuncture is an intervention for relieving muscle pain and tension and improving function. There is more assertive needle manipulation and electrical current may also be applied to enhance the effects of the therapy.
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Includes a combination of the two services. After the initial history and any appropriate examination, acupuncture or dry needling treatment, as well as manual therapy and chiropractic adjustment will be given during the time of this session.
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Follow up combination chiropractic and acupuncture treatment provided on the same date of service.
Studio Policies
More info about our studio policies can be found below.
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We strive to provide the best possible care, regardless of insurance coverage. We offer complementary insurance verification at your request and we take PPO plans based on coverage. If you do not have insurance or a participating HMO plan, you will be a “Cash Patient.”
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Our cancellation policy is 24 hours. Any cancellations that are made outside of that period (or no-shows) will be charged a fee.
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Explore our FAQ page for more or send us a note to hi@ocwellstudio.com for more information