Do you have any experience when it comes to dry needling? I just had my first encounter, and it was a revelation. If you're interested, these are the best places in Western Colorado according to Yelp.

Less than 24 hours ago I had my first experience with the practice of dry needling. Let me tell you, it is a life-changer. After almost two years of arm pain, weakness, and numbness, a singular session brought about immediate results.

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What is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?

Twenty four hours ago I couldn't have told you the difference. As it turns out, the two practices have very little in common. As a matter of fact, the insertion of needles is about the only similarity between them.

According to denverphysicalmedicine.com, during a typical acupuncture session, needles are inserted into points along meridian lines. These lines represent a body’s organs.

Dry needle treatment, on the other hand, a fairly new treatment based on Western medicine, is a practice where needles are inserted into trigger points. What's a trigger point? According to the site, it is a tender band of muscle located within larger muscles. The needles elicit a response that releases the trigger point and restores normal function.

What does the procedure feel like?

I would describe the process as almost completely painless. In my case, roughly eight needles were placed in each arm, right where the forearm meets the bicep. In a couple of cases I felt something similar to an electric shock, but nothing worth reporting.

Is this cost effective?

I would say so. In my case, the final cost was comparable to the expense of a doctor visit after my insurance discount.

Okay, so where does one go to get this?

That's the bad news. After searching "dry needling" in Yelp, the site offered only three hits. Oh well, three is better than none. For your consideration, these are the top three places in Western Colorado when it comes to dry needling, according to Yelp.

  • 1

    Olsson Physical Therapy

    403 Kennedy Ave Ste 3 Grand Junction, CO

    Wow, this office is located right across from the radio station. I've been at this studio for 23 years and somehow never noticed.

    Their site states, "Let us ease your pain. Offering both physical therapy and rehabilitation services Olsson physical Therapy is the best option for solving your pain issues. offering sport, orthopedic, neck and back pain solution the therapists at Olsson use various techniques including Dry needling and micro current.Contact them today to relieve what's been aching you."

  • 2

    Monument Physical Therapy

    321 Rood Ave Unit 100 Grand Junction, CO

    This business is open and ready to serve. They take great pride in maintaining a clean, safe environment in accordance with current guidelines.

    Their website states, ""Monument Physical Therapy is open! We are seeing patients at our Grand Junction and Collbran locations. The health, safety, and well-being of our patients, staff, and community is of the utmost importance. We are following all local, state, and medical facility guidelines and regulations. Cleanliness is always a priority, and our team is taking extra care to disinfect and clean our equipment, common spaces, and treatment rooms. To ensure the safety of all, we request you wear a mask in the clinic."

  • 3

    GMA Physical Therapy - Rifle

    201 W 3rd St Ste 101 Rifle, CO

    If you're in the Grand Junction area, you'll have to hit the road to visit this clinic. That's okay. It's worth the drive.

    Their Yelp description reads, "The practice is staffed by a certified therapist with over two decades of experience, including dry needling therapy. GMA - Physical Therapy is known for its thorough, patient-focused care, as well as affordability. The practice is an ancillary service of Glenwood Medical Associates, but also accepts referrals from other providers."

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