Dry needling is a very effective way of treating trigger points, commonly known as muscle knots. A physical therapist who is qualified in dry needling will use a very thin myofilament needle to penetrate the muscle. Dry needling helps to release muscle tightness and promote healing. Let’s go over a few key points.
A myofascial trigger point is a hyperirritable spot in the skeletal muscle that is associated with a hypersensitive palpable nodule. I am sure right now if your softly massage your upper trapezius muscle you feel a few “knots”. The trigger points typically occur after an unaccustomed workout or sustained postures and repetitive low stress. Overtime, this can lead to decrease in blood flow to that specific area which can lead to pain. Sometimes trigger points can “refer” pain elsewhere. For example, you may have a trigger point in your right gluteus medius (side hip muscle) this can refer pain down the back of the leg. Trigger points are known to decrease mobility, strength as well as cause a lot of annoying pain.
Dry needling uses a very thin myofilament needle to penetrate the muscle. During dry needling, a local twitch response will occur, this is an indication of the trigger point releasing. (In less science-y terms
Everyone has a different tolerance to pain, it is mildly to moderately painful with soreness that typically occurs for 1-3 days post treatment. Soft tissue massage and light exercise helps to decrease soreness after.
Dry Needling is great for treating:
If you have been suffering from tension headaches, pain while running, etc make sure to email Shayne @ motogenixcpt@gmail.com. We are to help answer any questions you may have of dry needling, current injuries, or injury prevention.
