What is dry needling?

Also referred to as trigger point dry needling, is performed by a skilled, trained physical therapist using a small monofilament needle to penetrate the skin. It is called “dry” needling because there is no medication being injected into the body. These needles are used to address a number of conditions including but not limited to:

  • Temporomandibular joint dysfunction/Facial pain

  • Migraines & Headaches

  • Neck/Shoulder pain

  • Myofascial restriction/Muscle tightness

  • Fibromyalgia & Chronic pain

  • Tendonitis

  • Whiplash injuries

  • Spinal/disc problems

  • Range of motion loss

  • Chronic overuse injuries

  • Nerve pain

benefits of dry needling?

Following a treatment session of dry needling, one may feel a sense of relaxation and decreased tension in the muscles in the area of dysfunction. Mild soreness is expected for the first few hours. Inserting the needle into the trigger point activates several pain relief chemicals in our brain which work to naturally reconnect the communications between the muscles in the brain. These chemicals act to reverse the ongoing pain signals our brain is receiving all day long from the painful area. No medications, no surgeries, no injections! Just your bodies organic processes.

What is a trigger point anyway?

Have you ever had a sore and aching muscle and while rubbing it, you found a particularly painful point and pressing on it reproduced your pain? “Ah yes, that’s the spot!” It is likely a trigger point or muscle knot that you found. These are painful, tender spots located in your body’s muscle tissue which can be locally uncomfortable or even refer pain out away from the area of where the trigger point is located. These areas of restriction and dysfunction can make it difficult to perform your day to day tasks as they are nagging and constant sensations in the muscles. For example, one of the most common referral patterns I see from trigger points comes from our upper trapezius muscles in the shoulders. These muscle restrictions refer pain up into the back of the head, neck, and face/jaw area. These trigger points can be a source of headaches as well!