What is Deep Dry Needling? Dry needle therapy, formally known as Trigger Point Dry needling (TDN), is a technique that uses thin monofilament needles to deactivate and desensitize trigger points within muscles.
What are Trigger Points? Myofascial trigger points are knots in muscles that can contribute to pain, decreased flexibility and decreased muscle function. When muscles develop trigger points, they often become shortened and can create compression on the structures around them, which can be perceived by the body as pain. An active trigger point impairs an individual’s ability to lengthen and or contract a muscle. Trigger points can be tender to the touch and can refer pain to distant parts of the body.
How does Dry Needling work? Trigger points are known to have abnormal electrical activity. They are surrounded by numerous chemicals known to sensitize the nervous system and nociceptors which will cause pain. Research has shown that when a needle is successfully inserted into a trigger point and causes a local “twitch” response, it can return the electrical and chemical environment within the muscle to its normal state and the muscle “lets go.” Deactivated trigger points draw white blood cells and plasma cells into the area and create a healing response. Following dry needling, the PH and the rate of transmission of neurotransmitters becomes more normalized with results in an increase of blood flow. Dry needling reduces muscle tension and improves pain, muscle length and flexibility.
Is the procedure painful? Most people do not feel the insertion of the needle. The local twitch response elicits a very brief (less than a second) cramping and/or deep aching sensation.
What type of problems can be treated?
- Chronic pain
- Headaches
- TMJ
- Back Pain
- Rotator cuff impingement
- Muscle tendonitis
- Sciatica
- Knee pain
- Neck pain
- Carpal tunnel
- Frozen shoulder
- Muscle strains
- Plantar fasciitis