The benefits of dry needling

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he needle penetrates the trigger point of a muscle and relieves tension and irritation by eliciting an inflammatory response. This increases blood flow to the area and promotes healing. Pain is reduced or eliminated, usually within two to three treatments.

By Aiden Simenc, DPT Higher Heights Fitness

To support the professional level of training at Higher Heights Fitness, last month I joined the staff and have been working with people in a private mini-clinic within the studio.

Thanks to owner Kyle Hotz for appreciating how much a physical therapist can make a difference in helping people achieve their ultimate level of wellness.

A highly effective tool in my wheelhouse is dry needling. There are myths and misconceptions I’d like to clear up about this treatment.

First of all, it isn’t painful. Monofilament needles are very thin, about the thickness of two human hairs, so patients don’t feel sharp pain when I insert them.

Secondly, dry needling is not acupuncture. Science-based dry needling treats muscle tissue with a goal of healing irritation and relieving pain. Acupuncture is aimed at affecting the flow of chi and needles are placed on different points of the body. With dry needling, I only place needles where the condition I’m treating is.

Here’s how it works: The needle penetrates the trigger point of a muscle and relieves tension and irritation by eliciting an inflammatory response. This increases blood flow to the area and promotes healing. Pain is reduced or eliminated, usually within two to three treatments.

Some typical areas that dry needling works wonders on include lower-back pain, sciatica and nerve pain, tendinitis in the elbow or shoulder, and hip pain. With each dry needling treatment, I also perform soft tissue work, exercises and stretching to amplify the benefits.

Higher Heights Fitness is located at 8251 Chippewa Road in the back of the Heinen’s Plaza in Brecksville. The studio offers one-on-one training and small-group training in state-of-the-art private suites. You do not need to be a member of Higher Heights to receive therapeutic treatment from Aidan Simenc. Book sessions with him online on Friday, 1 to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 440-630-9497 or visit HigherHeightsFitness.com.

Categories: Westside Health & Wellness