Dry needling involves inserting fine needles into muscle tissue, ligaments or tendons. It can be helpful in releasing chronically tight muscles and also muscles in spasm. This allows exercises to be performed more effectively and the pain cycle can be broken.
The needle is inserted into the muscle and a twitch response is elicited from the muscle. This twitch means that the muscle is ‘releasing’ and the needle will continue to be manipulated until the twitch ceases. A pain referral pattern may also be experienced during treatment from the trigger point.
Dry needling can be used on a variety of patients to treat back pain, neck pain, shoulder injuries, knee injuries, etc.
