Functional Dry Needling® (FDN) involves inserting a tiny monofilament needle in a muscle or muscles in order to release shortened bands of muscles and decrease trigger point activity and is another treatment that is used at our office. This can help resolve pain and muscle tension, and will promote healing. This is not traditional Chinese Acupuncture, but is instead a medical treatment that relies on a medical diagnosis to be effective. The doctor performing this treatment will have met or exceeded the minimum training requirements set forth by the State Board.
FDN is a valuable and effective treatment for musculoskeletal pain. Like any treatment, there are possible complications. While complications are rare in occurrence, they are real and must be considered prior to giving consent for treatment.

Risks: The most serious risk with FDN is accidental puncture of a lung (pneumothorax). If this were to occur, it may likely require a chest x-ray and no further treatment. The symptoms of shortness of breath may last for several days to weeks. A more severe puncture can require hospitalization and reinflation of the lung. This is a very rare complication, and in skilled hands it should not be a major concern. Other risks include injury to a blood vessel causing a bruise, infection, and/or nerve injury. Bruising is a common occurrence and should not be a concern.