Dry Needling
Dry Needling is the insertion of sterile single use Acupuncture needle directly into myofascial (muscular) trigger points. Trigger points are tight, tender knots within the muscle, which cause and contribute to pain within the body.
Dry Needling is a western form of Acupuncture and this treatment has been described using many names. Dry Needling is the most current term.
Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and Acupuncture needling treatment occurs along the meridian system. Modern Dry Needling is based on western neuroanatomy and modern scientific study of the musculoskeletal and nervous system. Volumes of research have been written on the subject of Dry Needling by several physicians (Janet Travell, MD, David Simons, MD, Peter Baldry, MD, and Karel Lewit, MD).
Does it Hurt
Generally, needle insertion is not felt; the local twitch response may provoke a very brief pain response. This has been described as an electric shock or a cramping sensation. During treatment, patients commonly experience heaviness in the limbs or a pleasant feeling or relaxation.
How long does it take for the procedure to work?
Typically, it takes several visits for a positive reaction to take place. Again, we are trying to cause mechanical and biochemical changes without any pharmacological means. Therefore, we are looking for a cumulative response to achieve a certain threshold after which the pain cycle is disturbed.