Dry needling has proven to be an effective therapy to treat muscular tension and muscular spasm, which commonly accompanies conditions such as arthritis, nerve irritation, muscular strain, ligament strains and herniated discs. The procedure is called “dry” needling because there is no solution injected as with a hypodermic needle during a flu shot. With dry needling, the needle itself and the effects it produces within the tissue is the actual treatment.

Dry needling uses a small, solid filament needle inserted in a contracted painful knotted muscle to create a local twitch reflex which is both diagnostic and therapeutic as this is the first step in breaking the pain cycle. Research shows this will decrease muscle contraction, reduce chemical irritation, improve flexibility and decrease pain.

To learn more about dry needling, join Patricia Renshaw, DPT (Physical Therapist), with St. Luke’s Hospital, Thursday, Jan. 21, at 1 p.m. in the St. Luke’s Hospital Boardroom. The program is free, but spaces are limited. Please call 828-894-8419 to reserve your spot. Light refreshments will be served.

– Submitted by Jennifer Wilson