Hi Kaiann! 

This sounds like an interesting case! 

When was her surgery and how long has she been experiencing numbness? Is it completely insensate or is there some sensation? If she lacks sensation to pin prick, it would be considered a contraindication to needle that area. 

However you could needle the other homeostatics in the involved extremity that are symptomatic to reduce neurogenic inflammation in the region and any other symptomatics that may be playing a roll. 

I'd start by assessing the sural and common fibular homeostatic points as they are both a branch off the sciatic nerve (as is the tibial).  I'd also consider assessing the saphenous nerve as it provides sensation to the arch of the foot, it's emergent point is close to the site of surgery, and it's likely involved/inflamed given surgical history. Monitor her sensation and as it returns, you can add those needling points along the tibial distribution. If she tolerates the first needling session well, consider adding ENS to enhance needling affects. 

If she does have sensation to pin prick at her tibial/deep fibular homeostatic point, i'd involve that as well.

Utilize your QST exam to determine how many points to needle/needling frequency. I'd likely start 1-2x a week and would expect a change within a few sessions. 

Keep me posted on how it goes and if you have any further questions! 

Dr. Natalie Hawkins, PT, DPT, CIDN