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Does dry needling work for carpal tunnel syndrome?

1 minute, 53 seconds

Dry needling, which is similar to but not the same as acupuncture, is the use of small dry needles being inserted into certain areas of muscle and tissue. The term dry is used to denote that there is no liquid substance inside the needles. Dry needling can be used on a variety of conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome. This method of treatment is a great option for those hoping to avoid medication or surgery for their carpal tunnel syndrome.

Why can dry needling help carpal tunnel syndrome?

  • It releases muscle tension ” Dry needling can be beneficial for individuals with this condition because it can release muscle tension. If you have spasming muscles around areas of your hand, dry needling may be able to relieve it.
  • It relieves pressure on tight bands in the hand ” Since carpal tunnel syndrome involves pressure applied to the median nerve at the wrist, dry needling can be used to relieve that pressure. Inserting needles in and around the affected area can stretch and relax the carpal ligaments that are under pressure.

Can a physical therapist offer dry needling as part of their services?

Physical therapists can legally provide dry needling in only a few states, with other states prohibiting the use of dry needling, like in Florida. If you're considering dry needling, you'll need to check if your physical therapy clinic is authorized to do it or find a medical office that can.

It is also very important to note that dry needling is not a stand-alone treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. It's most effective when used in conjunction with other treatment techniques, like myofascial release. Physical therapists can provide specialized physical therapy treatment plans to help you address your condition, whatever it may be.

Alliance PTP is ready to help you determine if dry needling is the best option for your carpal tunnel syndrome

At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we're proudly bringing together physical therapy practices across the country to help people get the high-quality PT they need. Want to see a physical therapist in person? We can put you in touch with an Alliance PTP partner that's close to you and that can help you decide if dry needling is best for your carpal tunnel.

Not keen on in-person PT sessions or not close to an Alliance PTP partner? No worries. We also offer effective and affordable virtual physical therapy through our Agile Virtual Physical Therapy platform.

Contact our team today so we can help you find the most effective physical therapy services for your injury or condition.

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