Tips For Getting Through Your First Dry Needling Session Comfortably
If you have tight muscles or pain throughout your body, you might seek out dry needling as a potential treatment. However, it can be scary or intimidating to have a stranger place needles into your body. This could cause you to become very nervous, start sweating, or do something else that would make the experience unpleasant, rather than soothing. Here are some tips for remaining calm and getting through your first dry needling session comfortably.
1. Wear Moisture Wicking Clothing
If you are a person who tends to sweat when you are nervous, then you might want to consider wearing moisture wicking clothing. This type of clothing redirects your sweat, rather than absorbing it and forcing you to lie in your session in a wet shirt. This can help you remain more comfortable during the session, even if you are nervous.
2. Practice Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Your therapist is going to notice if parts of your body are clenching due to anxiety. If he or she points it out or if you happen to notice, take a deep breath and close your eyes. Hold all of your muscles as tightly as possible and then, starting from your toes, release each muscle group individually. This will allow you to go through your entire body and check for points of tightness. Your therapist will understand and might even be able to guide you through progressive muscle relaxation. It is important for you to remain relaxed in order to get the fully benefits of the dry needling session.
3. Tell Your Therapist if Your Are in an Uncomfortable Postion
The therapist is going to manually manipulate your body and then put pins into it. He or she might move your body into a certain position and then require you to not move for a few minutes. If your body is in a position that is uncomfortable, it is important that you tell him or her so that he or she can make adjustments before inserting the needles.
4. Avoid Stretching After the Session
Do not do any hard stretching after your dry needling session. This has the potential to irritate the tissues that have been needled and cause you some mild discomfort. If you feel the need to stretch, start very slowly and gently. Work your way up to a more thorough stretch.
For more information, talk to a business such as Balance Point Therapy.