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Dry Needling Treatments

Dry Needling is a treatment technique that utilizes thin, solid filament needles to deactivate and desensitize the myofascial trigger points.

These knots in muscles and tissue are the cause of pain, decreased flexibility, and decreased function.

So is it similar to Acupuncture?

No… the only similarity is that dry needling and acupuncture use the same type of needle.

Dry needling is based on anatomy and neurophysiology, and its aim is to needle the altered or dysfunctional trigger points in order to improve or restore function. Traditional Acupuncture aims to promote health and restore “energetic balance” by stimulating certain acupuncture points found along certain meridians throughout the body.

How does it work? Does it hurt?

Using sterile, disposable needles, we insert the needle tip into a trigger point. When the needle tip hits a trigger point, an involuntary ‘local twitch’ happens in the muscle. This local twitch response is the most important part of deactivating the trigger point, because it confirms the source of dysfunction or pain.

As far as pain goes, most people do not feel the insertion of the needle. The local twitch response elicits a very brief cramping or aching sensation.

What types of problems does dry needling treat?

Muscle dysfunction can be a primary or secondary contributing factor of many musculoskeletal conditions. Thus, dry needling can benefit anyone suffering from headaches, neck pain, repetitive stress injuries, muscle tendonitis, rotator cuff impingement, frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, sciatica, muscle strains, iliotibial band syndrome, patellofemoral dysfunction, and plantar fasciitis… just to name a few!

What Can Trigger Point Dry Needling at PT Central Do for You?

  • Resolve seemingly hopeless issues, particularly for those who are dealing with chronic or persistent pain syndromes
  • Allow you to perform your desired daily tasks, attend work, and participate in recreational activities you love, without pain
  • Return you to your optimal level of function very quickly

How long does it take for the procedure to work? Will I be sore afterwards?

In some cases, decreased pain and improved mobility is immediate. Typically, it takes a few treatment sessions for a lasting positive effect. Again, we are working to create permanent changes in these trigger points so it may take a couple visits to decrease pain and restore optimal muscle function.

It is typical to experience soreness in the area treated for 1-2 days, but it’s quite tolerable for most people and is easily alleviated with cold/heat and stretching.

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Dry Needling Treatment Locations

Ada – Physical Therapy Central

1188 North Hills Centre
Ada, OK 74820
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Ardmore – Physical Therapy Central

2015 W Broadway St
Unit 3A
Ardmore, OK 73401
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Bethany – Physical Therapy Central

8006 Northwest 39th Expressway
Bethany, OK 73008
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Blanchard – Physical Therapy Central

845 E. Veterans Memorial Hwy
Blanchard, OK 73010
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Chickasha – Physical Therapy Central

304 South 29th Street
Chickasha, OK 73018
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Choctaw – Physical Therapy Central

14890 SE 29th Street
Suite 101
Choctaw, OK 73020
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Davis – Physical Therapy Central

201 W. Main St.
Davis, OK 73030
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Deer Creek – Physical Therapy Central

7115 NW 150th
Suite 4
Oklahoma City, OK 73142
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Edmond East – Physical Therapy Central

3633 E 2nd St
Edmond, OK 73034
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Edmond North – Physical Therapy Central

1260 West Covell Road
Ste 100
Edmond, OK 73003
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Edmond West – Physical Therapy Central

15101 Lleytons Ct
Edmond, OK 73013
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Elk City – Physical Therapy Central

1007 N. Main
Suite 102
Elk City, OK 73644
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Guthrie – Physical Therapy Central

108 West Harrison Avenue
Guthrie, OK 73044
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Kingfisher – Physical Therapy Central

105 North Main Street
Kingfisher, OK 73750
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Lawton – Physical Therapy Central

910 SW 38th St
Lawton, OK 73505
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Lindsay – Physical Therapy Central

301 East Cherokee Street
Lindsay, OK 73052
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Midwest City – Physical Therapy Central

1124 South Douglas Blvd
Midwest City, OK 73130
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Moore West – Physical Therapy Central

11521 S Western Avenue
Suite A
Oklahoma City, OK 73179
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Mustang – Physical Therapy Central

433 E Hwy 152
Suite 101
Mustang, OK 73064
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Newcastle – Physical Therapy Central

3699 Northwest 32nd Street
Newcastle, OK 73065
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Nichols Hills – Physical Therapy Central

6600 N. Olie Avenue
Suite B
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
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Noble – Physical Therapy Central

307 North Main Street
Noble, OK 73068
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Norman – Physical Therapy Central

440 Merchant Drive
Norman, OK 73069
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Norman West – Physical Therapy Central

2821 36th Avenue Northwest
Suite 130
Norman, OK 73072
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Oklahoma City Midtown – Physical Therapy Central

815 NW 12th St
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
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Oklahoma City South – Physical Therapy Central

8200 S Walker Ave
Suite 103
Oklahoma City, OK 73139
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Oklahoma City Southeast – Physical Therapy Central

6001 South Sooner Road
Suite D
Oklahoma City, OK 73135
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Oklahoma City Southwest – Physical Therapy Central

10740 South May Avenue
Suite 111
Oklahoma City, OK 73170
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Pauls Valley – Physical Therapy Central

34637 Airline Road
Pauls Valley, OK 73075
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Shawnee – Physical Therapy Central

3930 North Kickapoo Street
Shawnee, OK 74804
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St. Anthony North – Physical Therapy Central

6201 North Santa Fe Avenue
Suite 1000
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
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Stillwater – Physical Therapy Central

1405 South Western Road
Stillwater, OK 74074
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Oklahoma City Village – Physical Therapy Central

10908-C N May Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
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Yukon – Physical Therapy Central

800 Garth Brooks Boulevard
Suite 115
Yukon, OK 73099
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • A physical therapy visit lasts about 40-60 minutes. The actual contents of the visit vary based on your diagnosis/need, but typically what happens is:

    1. You check in with the receptionist, make any appointments necessary, and we discuss your health insurance benefits with you.
    2. You go into the gym. You can change clothes if you need to, then begin therapy.
    3. You perform 6-8 various exercises and stretches. These can include therapeutic band exercises, light body weight exercises, or minimal weights. The stretches will promote strength, stability, improved range of motion, and pain relief.
    4. We can initiate other techniques to include manual work, taping, cupping, and dry needling as needed.
    5. The therapist makes recommendations based on your progress. These can include altering the frequency of visits, making additions/alterations to your home exercise plan, or things to do before your next visit.
  • We recommend budgeting 40-60 minutes for a typical therapy session. The only exception to this will be your first visit, which can take about 20 minutes longer due to the physical therapy evaluation your therapist will provide. We also recommend showing up about 10-15 minutes early to your first visit. This way, you can complete the paperwork before your visit time and streamline the process.

  • If we are asking you to do something that is hurting too much, let us know! Physical therapy should not be severely painful. It is not common to be so sore that patients are in pain or it affects their daily life. If this ever happens during or after an appointment, let us know and we will adapt your program.

  • During your initial evaluation, your therapist may ask you a number of questions to determine what the cause of your pain is. This can include questions about your sleep habits, activity level, and work environment. They will also ask for a medical history, and then typically ask direct questions about where and when you experience pain.

Have more questions? Contact Us

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