What is it?
When used to treat trigger points (myofascial pain), dry needling has shown to be very effective in loosening tight and tense muscles, allowing them to contract and relax normally without pain. A thin monofilament needle is used to penetrate the skin stimulating a trigger point in a skeletal muscle (knot). Trigger points can cause local tenderness and may also “trigger” more widespread pain in other areas of our body (referred pain). As part of a treatment plan, your therapist uses these needles to release the trigger points, relieving pain, and improving your movement. Therapeutic dry needling also promotes healing by creating very small lesions in the affected tissues leading to an increase in blood flow bringing in oxygen and other healing factors to the area.
Does it hurt?
Usually no! We use extremely thin filament needles, similar to acupuncture. Unlike acupuncture however, the needles enter deeper into the affected muscle. The initial feeling of the needle moving through the skin is very minimal; most people don’t even feel it. Once the needle reaches the muscle you may feel a mild cramping sensation, known as a muscle twitch response. This usually doesn’t last long (15-30 seconds) before you start to feel the muscle relax.
Who is a candidate?
Most people! Myofascial pain is often present with the presence of trigger points. Dry needling has also been shown to be beneficial for the management of sprains, strains, osteoarthritis, and tendinopathies.
Who is not a candidate?
Patients with hepatitis, uncontrolled diabetes, currently pregnant, unstable blood pressure, cancer, current or recent infection, current use of blood thinners or immunosuppressant medications, HIV/AIDs, strong aversion to needles, or use of a pacemaker.
Common conditions treated:
Shoulder pain, headaches, knee pain, chronic low back pain, Achilles tendonitis, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, hip and gluteal pain, Tennis/Golfers elbow, carpal tunnel, chronically tight muscles
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