TRIGGER POINT DRY NEEDLING
A skilled intervention used by physical therapists that uses a thin filiform needle to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points, muscular, and connective tissues.
WHAT IS A TRIGGER POINT?
In Travell and Simon's Myofacial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual, Dr. Janet Travell defines a trigger point as a 'hyperirritable spot in skeletal muscle that is associated with a hypersensitive, palpable nodule in a taut band. The spot is tender when pressed, and can give rise to characteristic referred pain, motor dysfunction, and autonomic phenomena.' Most people recognize trigger points as “knots” in their muscle. They are very common throughout the body from overuse, postural faults, acute injury, and metabolic imbalances.
IS DRY NEEDLING THE SAME AS ACUPUNCTURE?
While we appreciate the art of acupuncture and the benefits it can provides to clients, we want to make a clear distinction, as the treatments are very different in premise and practice. Dry needling has its roots in Western medicine and focuses on releasing specific, painful, taut bands or "knots" deep in a muscle belly—similiar to trigger point injections—while acupuncture follows a more eastern, holistic approach of needling into more superficial meridian points to normalize the flow of a client's "chi."
DOES IT HURT?
A healthy muscle usually feels very little discomfort upon insertion of the needle; however, if the muscle is sensitive and shortened or contains active trigger points, the subject may feel a sensation much like a muscle cramp or deep pressure, often referred to as a 'twitch response.' A reproduction of their pain can be a helpful diagnostic indicator of the cause of the symptoms. Patients soon learn to recognize and even welcome this sensation as it results in deactivating the trigger point, reducing pain and restoring normal length and function of the involved muscle.
HOW QUICKLY CAN I EXPECT RESULTS?
Typically, positive results are apparent within 1-4 treatment sessions but can vary depending on the cause and duration of the symptoms, overall health of the patient, and experience level of the practitioner.
I'VE DISCHARGED FROM PT, BUT HAD A FLARE UP. CAN I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT JUST TO BE NEEDLED?
Yes! If you've discharged from our care and want to come by for a needling session, We offer dry needling on a "maintenance basis." Call us to get scheduled!