What You Need To Know
Dry needling is proposed to treat dysfunctions in skeletal muscle, fascia, and connective tissue; diminish persistent peripheral pain; and reduce impairments of body structure and function.The physiological basis for dry needling depends on the targeted tissue and treatment objectives. The most studied targets are trigger points. Trigger points are discrete, focal, hyperirritable spots within a taut band of skeletal muscle fibers that produce local and/or referred pain when stimulated.
Trigger points are associated with local ischemia and hypoxia, a significantly lowered pH, local and referred pain, and altered muscle activation patterns. Trigger points can be visualized by magnetic resonance imaging and elastography. Reliability of manual identification of trigger points has not been established.
Dry needling refers to a procedure whereby a fine needle is inserted into the trigger point to induce a twitch response and relieve the pain. Dry needling refers to a procedure in which a fine needle is inserted into the skin and muscle at a site of myofascial pain. The needle may be moved in an up-and-down motion, rotated, and/or left in place for as long as 30 minutes. Dry needling may be performed with acupuncture needles or standard hypodermic needles, but is performed without the injection of medications (e.g., anesthetics, corticosteroids).
Deep dry needling is believed to inactivate trigger points by eliciting contraction and subsequent relaxation of the taut band via a spinal cord reflex. This local twitch response is defined as transient visible or palpable contraction or dimpling of the muscle, and has been associated with alleviation of spontaneous electrical activity; reduction of numerous nociceptive, inflammatory, and immune system related chemicals; and relaxation of the taut band.
Deep dry needling of trigger points is believed to reduce local and referred pain, improve range of motion, and decrease trigger point irritability. Superficial dry needling is thought to activate mechanoreceptors and have an indirect effect on pain by inhibiting C-fiber pain impulses. The physiological basis for dry needling treatment of excessive muscle tension, scar tissue, fascia, and connective tissues is not as well described in the literature.
Alternative non pharmacological treatment modalities for trigger point pain include manual techniques, massage, acupressure, ultrasonography, application of heat or ice, diathermy, trans cutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and spray cooling with manual stretch. For more information and research, see below.
Dry Needling Quick Reference List
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