Integrative Dry Needling is based on neuro-anatomy and modern scientific study of the muscular, skeletal, and human nervous systems. During treatment, a very fine, solid filament needle is inserted through the skin and into the areas that are considered relevant to each person’s condition. The needles have the effect of: reducing local and systemic pain, reducing muscular trigger points and tension, reducing and normalizing inflammation, promoting local circulation, supporting overall healing and healing of soft tissue injuries.

Common Conditions involving pain and dysfunction:

• Neck (whiplash, arthritis)
• Middle and lower back pain (muscular, injuries, arthritis)
• Shoulder (tendinitis, bursitis, arthritis, frozen shoulder, impingement)
• Elbow (tennis, golfer’s tendinitis), bursitis, arthritis
• Wrist/ hand pain (tendinitis, some carpal tunnel conditions)
• Knee and Hip (tendinitis, bursitis)
• Leg pains (nerve/sciatic, tendinitis, muscular)
• Ankle & foot problems (Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis)
• Headaches (tension, migraine)
• Neuralgias (trigeminal, sciatic)
• Post-surgical pain & dysfunction
• Pain & dysfunction from injuries and accidents
• Muscular pain & Sports Injuries

Yes, we only use new, sterile, disposable needles for each treatment session.

No. We strive to make each treatment as painless and comfortable as possible. Some patients experience no sensation at all and others might experience a dull ache or feelings of light pressure during parts of the treatment. Dry Needling treatments are never actually painful and are well tolerated when performed by a well trained and experienced practitioner. Actually, many patients report feeling very relaxed during or after dry needling treatments. Dr Ensweiler will make every effort to make your experience comfortable and therapeutic.

This can vary, however, the average treatment session is 20-40 minutes. Treatment is given in comfortable, supported positions that allow for rest, healing, and relaxation.

This will vary, however, many patients report feeling more relaxed, refreshed, and with less pain & discomfort. Some individuals may experience mild soreness or aching for up to 24 hours after the treatment. This is a normal response and is a normal part of the body’s repair and healing process. Mild, non-tender bruising might be present afterwards, however, this can vary and is not very common.

There are many variables that come into play here – age, general health status & physical condition, the nature of the injury or illness, and how long symptoms and problems have been present. A specific number of treatments can be recommended as a therapeutic trial once a patient’s health status is determined through consultation, evaluation, etc. and this is always done on an individual and personalized basis. An agreed upon treatment plan is always an important part of Dry Needling therapy.

Dry Needling treatments can be effective in the short-term and can also have a long-term accumulative effect to alleviate or reduce chronic pain patterns and to support general health and well-being. Each patient’s response to treatment can vary and these issues are always discussed during treatment.

Generally speaking, yes. Dry needling treatments are generally safe if you are taking medications, even blood thinners, and can often reduce the need for prescription or OTC medications. These treatments are also compatible with and complementary to various types of therapies: massage, manual myofascial, chiropractic adjustments/manipulation, and exercise therapy.

This can also vary for each individual. Positive effects of pain reduction, increased ranges of motion, reduced inflammation, and accelerated healing can be seen in both the short and long-term.

Yes, there are complementary healing modalities that might be utilized in a treatment in addition to the needles. These are designed to support healing, circulation, and pain relief and might include: electrical stimulation, cold laser therapy, infrared heat, and pulsed magnetic field therapy.

Due to the normalizing and stabilizing effects that some people receive from Dry Needling treatments, yes, they can be used for general health & well-being and to maintain a healthy muscular and nervous system. Some patients find booster or maintenance treatments to be an important part of their overall health prevention and maintenance program, along with a healthy diet, exercise, nutritional/herbal supplements, and adequate sleep.

Most health insurance plans currently do not currently cover Dry Needling treatments, however, plans do vary in scope of coverage. Some policies do cover acupuncture therapy (which is a very similar treatment modality) and Dr Ensweiler is also a licensed acupuncturist in WI. We strive to offer the highest quality treatments at very affordable rates and treatments are cost effective for most people.

He has been trained and certified in Integrative Dry Needling through Dr. Ma’s Integrative Dry Needling Institute. In addition, he has been a licensed acupuncturist since 1986 and holds national diplomate status in acupuncture, Chinese Herbology & Oriental Medicine.