Dry Needling

Service Description

Dry Needling for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders involves placing sterile acupuncture needles in the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles just inferior to the cheekbone. These muscles are responsible for displacing the disc anteriorly. This causes clicking and pain with mouth opening. Once these muscles are released, the disc is able to slide into the correct position. Once treatment is completed (generally 5-7 visits), clicking will minimize and the jaw can open with ease. The severity and chronicity of your pain may impact how many visits you will need. Dry Needling for Neck/Back pain involves placing sterile acupuncture needles in tight muscles that are contributing to pain. Most commonly the upper trapezius and periscapular muscles become tight with poor posture, computer work, and repetitive lifting. Often you will develop palpable “knots” or trigger points. Placing acupuncture needles into these trigger points will release the tight areas of muscle, improve range of motion, and decrease pain.