Dry Needling

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific trigger points of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, or fascia.

It is commonly used to alleviate pain - chronic and acute pain - and improve musculoskeletal range of motion. Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling focuses on targeting and releasing tight knots or trigger points in the soft tissues.

During a dry needling session, a trained healthcare professional will carefully insert the needles into the targeted areas, aiming to stimulate a local twitch response. This twitch response helps relax the muscle fibers and release tension, allowing for improved blood flow and the release of endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers.

It is important to note that dry needling should only be performed by qualified healthcare professionals who are certified in dry needling.

Overall, dry needling is a safe and effective technique that can provide relief from musculoskeletal pain and improve overall function. If you are seeking a non-invasive, drug-free approach to manage your pain, dry needling may be worth considering as part of your treatment plan.

The exact number of sessions may vary depending on individual circumstances, however in Dr. Sarah’s clinical experience combined with evidence-based research, you can expect to be put on a treatment plan of 6-10 treatments.

Understanding the factors that influence the number of treatments can help set realistic expectations.

Factors influencing the number of treatments:

1. Condition Severity: The severity and duration of your condition play a crucial role in determining the number of treatments required. Chronic or long-standing issues may require more sessions compared to acute conditions.

2. Individual Response: Each person's body responds differently to dry needling. Some individuals may experience significant improvement after just a few sessions, while others may require more treatments to achieve the desired results. Your body's response to the therapy will ultimately influence the number of treatments needed.

3. Underlying Factors: The presence of underlying factors, such as muscle imbalances, postural issues, or lifestyle habits, can impact the effectiveness of dry needling. Addressing these factors through a comprehensive treatment plan may help reduce the number of required sessions.

3. Treatment Goals: The specific goals you have for dry needling will also influence the number of treatments. If you are seeking pain relief, you may require fewer sessions compared to individuals aiming for long-term functional improvement or performance enhancement.

General Guidelines:

While it is challenging to provide an exact number of treatments without assessing your specific situation, here are some general guidelines:

1. Initial Progress: Most individuals experience some degree of improvement within the first few sessions of dry needling. This initial progress can help gauge the effectiveness of the treatment and its potential benefits for your condition.

2. Treatment Frequency: Initially, treatments are to be scheduled 48-72 hours apart to address acute symptoms or severe conditions.

3. Treatment Plan: Your healthcare provider will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your assessment, goals, and progress. This plan may include a specific number of sessions and a timeline for reassessment.

4. Reassessment and Adjustments: Regular reassessment during the course of treatment allows your healthcare provider to evaluate your progress and determine if any adjustments are needed. They may modify the treatment plan based on your response and changing needs.

Remember, every individual is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the number of dry needling treatments required. Open communication with your healthcare provider is essential to track your progress, discuss any concerns, and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Single Treatment

$255 per visit for first-time patients to Portland Dry Needling

$210 for follow-up dry needling treatments

Package Pricing

Pack of 6 dry needling treatments: $1,080.00

Pack of 10 dry needling treatments: $1,700.00

All our providers are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield and PacificSource.

Christina Lambert, LAc. is also in-network with Aetna.

We can provide superbills for reimbursement from other insurance companies.

If you have questions or want us to check your benefits, please call 503.705.6637 or email fara@tothepointpdx.com

What’s the difference?!?!

Good question. While both dry needling and acupuncture involve the use of needles, they differ in their underlying principles and applications.

Dry needling is a technique that focuses on targeting trigger points in muscles to relieve pain and improve muscle function. It works by inserting a thin filament needle into the trigger point to stimulate a twitch response and release tension in the muscle.

On the other hand, acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and aims to restore the balance of energy, or qi, in the body. It involves inserting needles into specific acupuncture points along energy channels to promote healing and alleviate various health conditions.

Dry Needling

Goal of the treatment: to release trigger points (active or latent) that inhibit normal muscle movement.

Points are identified by physical exam or by specific palpation.

Needles: To The Point PDX uses the gold-standard of needles for dry needling procedures. These solid, stainless steel needles are sturdier than typical acupuncture needles and are tripled polished to ensure a smooth insertion experience for the patient.

In a dry needling treatment, there is no needle retention. The procedure does not call for a needle to sit in the skin.

The needling techniques used by the To The Point PDX providers in a dry needling treatment are specific to dry needling techniques taught by Myopain Seminars.

To The Point PDX providers are certified to treat all body parts, including muscles of the neck and chest muscles.

Dry needling appointments last 20-30 minutes.

Conditions may take 6-10 treatments to resolve.

Acupuncture

Goal of the treatment: to restore the energy of the body using “Qi”.

Points are defined by the texts of Chinese Medicine. All 365 acupoints are found on the body by using a measurement length called a “cun”. A “cun” is proportionate to the width of the patient’s thumb.

Needles: To The Point PDX uses Serin needles — solid, stainless steel needles that are much thinner than dry needling needles and often coated with silicon to ensure painless insertion.

The providers at To The Point PDX are trained and licensed acupuncturists with doctoral degrees from Chinese Medicine educational institutions.

Acupuncture appointments are 40 minutes long and include 20-40 minutes of resting with the needles inserted.

Acupuncture is the best used for the following conditions: digestive upset, stress reduction, smoking cessation, fertility irregularities, menstrual pain.

If you feel like you are “sensitive” to needles, an acupuncture treatment will suit you better than a dry needling appointment.

Conditions may take 10-20 treatments to resolve.

Acupuncture is not dry needling. Dry needling is not acupuncture. Acupuncturists are not taught the dry needling technique during their 2,000 hour training requirements. Dry needling is not acupuncture. Physical therapists and chiropractors are not taught acupuncture techniques in their educational programs.

To The Point PDX houses the top experts at dry needling in Portland. Our providers are also locally and nationally recognized as top providers of Chinese medicine and dry needling.