CHRISTUS Health expands outpatient therapy services with dry needling treatment

CHRISTUS Health has added dry needling to its outpatient therapy services at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas – St. Elizabeth, offering patients another option to help relieve pain, improve mobility and restore function.

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique using thin, sterile needles inserted into myofascial trigger points, commonly known as muscle knots, as well as tendons, ligaments or areas near nerves to stimulate the body's natural healing response. The treatment is designed to address pain and movement dysfunction associated with a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.

"Dry needling is an evidence-based treatment that can help reduce pain and improve movement for patients experiencing a variety of conditions," said Joanne Leong-Pierce, physical therapist for CHRISTUS Southeast Texas – St. Elizabeth. "For many people, it can be an effective addition to a comprehensive therapy plan and may help them return to their daily activities more comfortably."

Dry needling may be beneficial for patients experiencing neck, back and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, knee pain, shin splints and Achilles tendon.

“Dry needling is a science-based intervention,” Pierce said. “The technique focuses on treating pain and dysfunction through regulation of the brain and autonomic nervous system within the musculoskeletal system. The primary goal is to provide pain relief that allows patients to move more freely and improve their overall function.”

Dry needling services are available at all three CHRISTUS Health outpatient therapy clinic locations in Southeast Texas. A physician referral is required before beginning treatment.