Dry Needling
Basics of Dry Needling
Dry needling is an effective and efficient technique for the treatment of muscular pain and myofascial dysfunction. It is a way to help treat some of the knots and tightness that you might have that have been causing pain and limiting your range of motion. These knots are typically called trigger points.
What is a Trigger Point?
A trigger point, is an over contracted muscle. Muscles have cross bridges that contract and relax through a range of motion. Sometimes areas of muscle contract involuntarily and stay contracted, and these are often referred to as trigger points. We find a trigger point by palpating. Trigger points are highly sensitive and can be painful when touched. They are also often the cause of referred pain (or pain that affects another part of the body).
Why do I have Trigger Points?
Trigger points can happen for a few different reasons. One reason is that they provide stability. When our body senses some instability, the muscles can stiffen up or create knots which in turn provides some stiffness and stability. Another reason knots form is because our muscles might tense up before a trauma happens, like a fall, in order to protect us and reduce the risk for damage to other structures like bones, tendons, or ligaments. The issue then comes when our muscles don’t relax after and are living in an over contracted state which then leads to these trigger points.
How does Dry Needling Work?
We use a thin monofilament needle to go into the trigger point and/or tight muscle without injecting any substance. It is based on Western medicine, not Traditional Chinese Medicine so it is NOT acupuncture.
Does it Hurt?
Everyone responds differently to dry needling with respect to soreness and pain during and after treatment. Just as pushing on the trigger point causes soreness so can the dry needling but it is typically short lived.
Common Conditions Dry Needling Can Help
- Joint Issues
- Disc Issues
- Tendinitis
- Migraines
- Tension Headaches
- Jaw Pain
- Whiplash
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Spinal Issues
- Pelvic Issues
- Plus Much More!
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