Dry needling is a newer treatment for muscle pain and trigger points in areas of the body that are not adequately reached by hands or fingers. It is also a good alternative for patients seeking relief from concentrated pain without surgery or pain medication. Like any treatment you may be considering, it is helpful to do your research and ask questions to see if dry needling is right for you.

Is dry needling similar to acupuncture?

Dry needling is not directly related to acupuncture. Though the two treatments involve inserting thin needles into parts of the body, the similarities end there. Acupuncture comes from traditional Chinese medicine and is based on the theory that disruptions in the body’s energy flow or Chi are responsible for a disease. Acupuncture seeks to correct these imbalances by inserting needles into the corresponding area of the body near the skin.

Dry needling, however, is based on Western research and principles. The needle is inserted directly into the pain point to get a twitch response in the muscle. The goal is to ease tension in the trigger point to reduce pain.

What is a trigger point?

A trigger point is a sensitive spot in the connective tissue surrounding skeletal muscle. These manifest as hard spots that can be felt under the skin, or “knots” over a muscle. Dry needling can be useful in these cases by working beneath the tight band of muscle fibers to relieve tension. The tense band can cause contractions in the muscles and cause pain in other areas. For example, a trigger point in the neck or shoulder can cause headaches. Trigger points can be caused by:

• Muscle overtraining or overuse
• Trauma to the area
• Repetitive use trauma, such as running
• Stress

How can I begin my dry needling treatment?

Dry needling is most effective when used with other physical therapy treatments to help relieve acute pain. Contact Franklin Rehabilitation today to see if dry needling would be a helpful addition to your treatment.