ry Needling, also know as Myofascial Trigger Point Dry Needling, is a effective and fast route to pain relief, using thin needles inserted into trigger points or “knots” in muscles. It’s a minimally invasive technique applied by physiotherapists. A myofascial trigger point is a group of muscle fibres which have shortened when activated but haven’t been able to lengthen back to a relaxed state after movement.
These “knots” may cause pain over a large body area, such as the neck, hindering everyday tasks. Dry needling may decrease localized pain and referred pain of the affected body areas. According to The American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT), “Research supports that dry needling improves pain control, reduces muscle tension, normalizes biochemical and electrical dysfunction of motor endplates, and facilitates an accelerated return to active rehabilitation.”
How does Dry Needling Work?
When the physiotherapist inserts a fine needle into the centre of a myofascial trigger point, blood pools around the needle, causing, in this way, the muscle fibres relaxation due to a greater contribution of nutrients and fresh oxygen, as well as by flushing away any waste substances.
What Kinds of Pain Does Dry Needling Treat?
Dry needling is not a solitary technique. Often Dry Needling must be combined with other techniques including TENS (very effective with Dry Needling), manual therapy, massage, exercise…
