DRY NEEDLING

What is Dry Needling?

Dry Needling (DN) is an alternative treatment method that uses a dry needle (without
medication) that is inserted through the skin and into an active trigger point within the muscle.
An active trigger point is a sensitive point within the muscle that is painful to touch and can
refer pain to other areas in the body.

What Type of Diagnoses Can be Addressed with Dry Needling?

DN can be used for a variety of musculoskeletal problems. Trigger points can play both a
primary and secondary role in symptoms being treated. For this reason, DN is typically
combined with other hands on techniques and therapeutic exercises to get you to your goals
faster. Conditions that have been shown to respond favorably to DN include neck and low back
pain, shoulder and arm pain (including tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, and golfer’s
elbow, hip and sciatic pain, leg pain (including hamstring strains and calf tightness/spasms) and
some instances of foot pain.

Is it the Same as Acupuncture?

There are similarities and difference between DN and acupuncture. Licensed physical therapist
in CT can practice DN under the scope of the state practice act. DN also falls within the scope of
acupuncture practice. In contrast to most schools of acupuncture, DN is strictly based on
Western medicine principles and research. DN addresses specific trigger points within the
muscles to reduce tension and improve function whereas acupuncture addresses strategic
points based on meridians/pathways to balance energy flow.

Cost of Dry Needling

Dry needling is NOT a covered service by most insurance companies. Therefore, DN will be
offered as a cash-pay service. A statement can be provided for patients to submit to their
insurance company.

For Existing Patients Following a Plan of Care: An additional $35.00/session collected prior to
treatment

For Patients who are NOT following a Plan of Care: Co-pay or deductible per insurance
company will be collected prior to physical therapy initial evaluation. If deemed appropriate for
DN an additional $35.00/session will be collected prior to treatment.

ONLY Dry Needling (no PT Plan of Care): please inquire about other pricing packages