Dry Needling

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used to alleviate muscle pain and dysfunction. It involves the insertion of thin, solid needles into specific points in the body, known as trigger points or myofascial trigger points. These trigger points are tight bands of muscle or nodules that are associated with pain or dysfunction.

Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine and aims to balance energy flow, dry needling focuses on the release of trigger points and the stimulation of local physiological responses. The needles used in dry needling are typically similar to acupuncture needles, but the principles and goals of the techniques are different.

The insertion of the needles can elicit a local twitch response, which is a brief, involuntary muscle contraction. This response helps release tension in the muscle and promote relaxation. Dry needling is often used in conjunction with other manual therapy techniques, such as massage or stretching, to enhance its effectiveness.

Dry needling can be helpful for people with muscle pain, chronic tension, myofascial pain syndrome, or musculoskeletal conditions.