Dry Needling In Clive & Des Moines

Dry Needling for Pain Relief in Clive & Des Moines

Looking for effective dry needling therapy near Des Moines? Mount Laurel Physical Therapy in Clive, IA offers expert dry needling services to patients throughout the greater Des Moines area, including Clive, West Des Moines, and surrounding communities. Our evidence-based approach to dry needling provides fast, effective pain relief for chronic pain, muscle tension, and movement dysfunction.

What is Dry Needling? Expert Care in Clive & Des Moines

Dry needling, also known as intramuscular stimulation (IMS) and trigger point dry needling (TDN), is a safe, effective treatment technique that uses sterile acupuncture needles to target myofascial trigger points and restore normal muscle function. Unlike acupuncture, dry needling is based on modern Western medical science and focuses on the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems.

At Mount Laurel Physical Therapy, our skilled practitioners use dry needling to:

• Relax myofascial trigger points and muscle “knots”
• Restore normal muscle tone, length, and coordination
• Immediately reduce pain and decrease muscle tension
• Increase mobility and range of motion
• Enhance the body’s natural healing ability

Meet Our Expert Team – Trusted Care You Can Count On

Dr. Katherine Greening, PT, DPT brings the latest evidence-based dry needling techniques to patients in Clive and the greater Des Moines area. With her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from St. Ambrose University (2024), Dr. Greening combines advanced clinical training with a compassionate, patient-centered approach to care.

Why Choose Mount Laurel Physical Therapy for Dry Needling?

• 5-star Google rating with 65+ five-star reviews
• Trusted by patients throughout Clive, Des Moines, and West Des Moines
• Evidence-based treatment protocols
• Personalized care plans tailored to your specific needs

How Does Dry Needling Work? The Science Behind Pain Relief

Dry needling involves the precise insertion and manipulation of a sterile, solid filament needle into trigger points within muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This process:

1. Produces a local twitch response (LTR) – an involuntary spinal cord reflex that releases shortened muscle fibers
2. Activates underactive muscles while relaxing overactive, tight muscles
3. Deactivates trigger points providing immediate symptom relief
4. Creates pain-free range of motion allowing for immediate therapeutic exercise and training

This neurophysiological approach is backed by extensive scientific research and offers lasting muscle relaxation and pain relief.

Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture: Understanding the Difference

While both techniques use similar needles, dry needling and acupuncture are fundamentally different:

Dry Needling:

• Based on Western neuroanatomy and modern scientific research
• Targets specific trigger points and muscle dysfunction
• Focuses on musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders
• Evidence-based treatment for chronic pain conditions

Acupuncture:

• Based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)
• Focuses on balancing Qi (energy) flow through meridians
• Holistic approach to health and wellness

Conditions Successfully Treated with Dry Needling in Clive & Des Moines IA

Our dry needling therapy effectively treats a wide range of conditions affecting patients throughout the Des Moines metro area:

Head, Neck & Facial Pain

• Headaches and migraines
• Whiplash and neck pain
• TMJ dysfunction and jaw pain
• Eye strain and tinnitus
• Degenerative disc disease

Upper Extremity Conditions

• Rotator cuff tears and shoulder impingement
• Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
• DeQuervain’s syndrome

Back, Hip & Lower Extremity Pain

• Lower back pain and sciatica
• Hip pain and dysfunction
• Knee osteoarthritis and pain
• Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
• Shin splints and ankle pain

Specialized Conditions

• Fibromyalgia and chronic pain syndromes
• Athletic and sports-related injuries
• Post-surgical pain management
• Motor vehicle accident injuries
• Repetitive strain injuries

What to Expect During Your Dry Needling Treatment

Dr. Greening will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to:

• Assess your pain patterns and movement dysfunction
• Identify specific trigger points and muscle imbalances
• Develop a personalized treatment plan
• Explain the dry needling process and expected outcomes

Treatment Process

• Sterile needles are precisely inserted into identified trigger points
• You may experience a brief muscle twitch (local twitch response)
• Most patients notice immediate improvement in pain and mobility
• Treatment typically lasts 15-30 minutes

Expected Results

• Immediate relief: Most patients experience decreased symptoms right away
• Typical treatment course: 2-6 sessions depending on your condition
• Frequency: Once or twice weekly based on individual needs
• Long-term benefits: Combined with therapeutic exercise for lasting results

Comprehensive Care Approach

At Mount Laurel Physical Therapy, dry needling is integrated with other evidence-based treatments for optimal results:

• Manual therapy and hands-on techniques
• Therapeutic exercise and strengthening
• Balance and coordination training
• Home exercise programs
• Patient education and self-management strategies

This comprehensive approach ensures that the benefits of dry needling are maintained long-term through targeted tissue loading, flexibility training, and gradual exposure programs.

Safe, Professional Treatment You Can Trust

Dry needling at Mount Laurel Physical Therapy is performed using:

• Sterile, single-use needles
• Strict infection control protocols
• Evidence-based needle placement techniques
• Continuous monitoring for patient comfort and safety

Convenient Location Serving the Greater Des Moines Area

Located in Clive, IA, Mount Laurel Physical Therapy is easily accessible to patients throughout Des Moines, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Johnston, and surrounding communities. Our convenient location and flexible scheduling make it easy to receive the expert dry needling care you need.

Take the First Step Toward Pain Relief

Don’t let chronic pain and muscle tension control your life. Dry needling therapy at Mount Laurel Physical Therapy offers a powerful, evidence-based solution that can provide immediate relief and long-term improvement in function.

Ready to experience the benefits of expert dry needling therapy? Contact Mount Laurel Physical Therapy in Clive, IA today to schedule your evaluation or call us at (515) 520-8037. Dr. Greening and our team are committed to helping you achieve lasting pain relief and improved quality of life.

Mount Laurel Physical Therapy – Your trusted partner for dry needling therapy in Clive, Des Moines, and West Des Moines, IA. Expert care, proven results, exceptional service.