Effective
Dry Needling Therapy
At The Wellness Arena, we serve the Burlington County area; our expertise is in dry needling, a cutting-edge therapy designed to alleviate pain and accelerate recovery. Under the expert care of Dr. Leo Horowitz, PT, DPT, CSCS, our personalized approach ensures each patient receives the highest standard of treatment tailored to their unique needs.
Get Pain relief
Are you struggling with persistent pain that hampers your daily activities or athletic performance? Imagine a treatment that targets the root of your pain, providing relief and enhancing your mobility without relying on medication or invasive procedures.
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Whether you're an athlete looking to enhance performance or someone dealing with chronic pain, our dry needling services in Burlington County offer a path to a healthier, pain-free life.
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Let us help you regain control of your health and well-being. Experience the transformative benefits of dry needling at The Wellness Arena.
Dry needling is a specialized treatment technique that involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific trigger points within muscles. These trigger points are often the source of pain and discomfort, causing tightness and limiting mobility.
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Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is based on Western medicine principles, all backed by scientific research, and focuses on relieving musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.
What is Dry Needling?
How Dry Needling Works
When muscles are overused or stressed, they can enter an "energy crisis" where they do not receive adequate blood flow, oxygen, and nutrients. This leads to the formation of taut bands and trigger points that can cause pain both locally and in referred areas.
This constant stress overburdens the nervous system and causes the body to be stuck in “fight or flight”. By inserting needles into these trigger points and areas of neural tension, dry needling helps to release muscle tension, increase blood flow and get the body out of “fight to flight”, which promotes the body's natural healing processes​.
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Dry needling targets the root of the problem, not just the symptoms. It helps restore normal muscle and nervous system function and alleviate pain, making it a powerful tool in managing conditions such as headaches, chronic back pain, tendonitis, and more​.
Benefits of Dry Needling
Dry needling offers a multitude of benefits, making it an effective treatment for various conditions. Some of the key benefits include:
Pain Relief
Alleviates pain by releasing tension in muscles and reducing inflammation.
Improved Mobility
Enhances flexibility and range of motion, which is particularly beneficial for athletes and individuals with chronic pain.
Enhanced Sleep
Dry needling helps get the body out of “fight or flight” which promotes increased sleep, muscle recovery, energy production and more.
Decrease Stress and Anxiety
When the body is out of “fight or flight”, the sympathetic nervous system can finally relax, which allows your brain to process and respond to information in a more beneficial manner.
What to Expect During Treatment
Initial Consultation
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Your journey to pain relief and enhanced performance with dry needling begins with a thorough initial consultation. Dr. Leo Horowitz will review your medical history and conduct a detailed physical examination to determine if dry needling is the right treatment for you.
This comprehensive assessment ensures that the treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs and conditions.
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During the consultation, Dr. Leo will explain the dry needling procedure, addressing any questions or concerns you might have. This step is crucial for ensuring you are fully informed and comfortable with the treatment process.
Dry Needling Procedure
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Preparation
Dr. Leo will take you to a private treatment room and position you comfortably. The treatment area will be sterilized to ensure a hygienic procedure.
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Twitch Response
The insertion of the needle may cause a local twitch response, which is a quick spasm of the muscle. This response is a positive indication that the muscle is reacting to the treatment and releasing tension.
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Needle Insertion
Using single-use, sterile needles, Dr. Leo will palpate the area to locate the precise trigger points and other necessary treatment areas. The needles are then carefully inserted into the skin and muscles. Depending on your condition, the needles may be inserted superficially or deeper into the muscle tissue.
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Duration
The needles may be left in place for several minutes or longer depending on the technique and your specific needs.
Post-Treatment Care
After the needles are removed, Dr. Leo will examine the treated area to ensure there are no adverse reactions. You may experience mild muscle soreness or tightness, which is normal and typically resolves within 24 to 36 hours. It is important to stay hydrated and keep moving to aid in the recovery process.
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Dr. Leo will provide personalized aftercare instructions to help you maximize the benefits of the dry needling session.
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Safety and Side Effects
Dry needling is generally safe when performed by a trained professional like Dr. Leo. However, as with any treatment, there are potential side effects:
Common Side Effects: Minor muscle soreness, bruising, and temporary discomfort at the needle insertion sites. To minimize risks, it is essential to choose a qualified and experienced provider. Dr. Leo's extensive training and meticulous approach ensure the highest standards of safety and care for his patients
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dry Needling Painful?
Dry needling involves the insertion of very fine needles into muscle trigger points, which can cause a variety of sensations. Some patients report feeling a slight pinch or prick when the needles are inserted.
The most notable sensation is often a twitch response, where the muscle briefly contracts. This can be uncomfortable but is a positive sign that the treatment is targeting the right area. Post-treatment, you might experience mild soreness or tightness, similar to the feeling after a workout. This soreness typically resolves within 24 to 36 hours​.
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Difference Between Dry Needling and Acupuncture
While both dry needling and acupuncture use thin needles, they are fundamentally different practices with distinct purposes and methodologies. Dry needling is based on Western medical principles, all based on proven science, and focuses on alleviating musculoskeletal pain and chronic nervous system dysfunction by targeting trigger points and regions of neural dysfunction.
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Acupuncture, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, aims to balance the body's energy flow, or Qi and does not focus on specific areas of Musculoskeletal tension and pain.
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Can Dry Needling Be Combined with Other Therapies?
Absolutely. At The Wellness Arena, dry needling is often used in conjunction with other therapeutic modalities to enhance overall treatment outcomes. This might include manual therapy, massage, cupping, soft tissue release, individualized exercises, mobility activities, breathing exercises, and strength training.
Combining these therapies can provide a comprehensive approach to pain relief, recovery, and performance enhancement​ (EPIC PT)​.
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What Conditions Can Dry Needling Treat?
Dry needling is effective in treating a wide range of conditions, including:
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Chronic pain and tension
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Neck and back pain
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Headaches and migraines
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Joint pain (hip, knee)
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Tendonitis
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Plantar fasciitis
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Shoulder pain / Rotator Cuff injuries
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Pickleball injuries
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Weightlifting injuries and tension
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Sports injuries
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Muscle strains and spasms​ (Cleveland Clinic)​​ (Motion Myotherapy)​.
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Cities We Serve
At The Wellness Arena, we are proud to offer our specialized dry needling services to residents throughout Burlington County, NJ. Dr. Leo Horowitz provides expert care to a wide range of communities, ensuring that effective pain relief and enhanced performance are accessible to everyone in the area.
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Here are some of the cities and towns in Burlington County where our services are available:
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Beverly
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Bordentown
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Burlington
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Cinnaminson
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Delran
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Eastampton
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Edgewater Park
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Evesham
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Florence
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Hainesport
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Lumberton
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Mansfield
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Maple Shade
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Marlton
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Medford
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Medford Lakes
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Moorestown
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Mount Holly
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Mount Laurel
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Riverside
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Riverton
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Shamong
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Southampton
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Willingboro
Take control of your pain and enhance your performance with expert dry needling services from Dr. Leo Horowitz. Schedule your personalized consultation today to start your journey towards a pain-free, active lifestyle. Contact The Wellness Arena now at 215-313-5288 to book your appointment!