What is Dry Needling?

Dry Needling, known as IntraMuscular Stimulation (IMS) or Trigger Point Dry Needling (TDN).  It is a treatment performed by a certified physical therapist specialist to:

  • Relax myofascial trigger points
  • Restore normal muscle tones, muscle length
  • Restore muscle coordination, function, and strength

Dry Needling is often an effective technique for patients with certain musculoskeletal presentations.

During this treatment, a “dry” thin monofilament needle penetrates the skin and treats the underlying trigger point.  This is to manage neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments.

What is a trigger point?

A trigger point is a tight band of muscle fiber that disrupts muscle function, limit range of motion, and cause tenderness and pain.  When applying TDN to a trigger point, it produces an involuntary spinal cord reflex, or Local Twitch Response (LTR).  LTR creates lasting muscle relaxation.  This occurs because it releases the shortened bands of muscle fibers found in overactive tight muscles, as well as activate underactive weak muscles.  By deactivating these trigger points, there is an immediate relief of symptoms, a decrease in banding or tightness, and reduction in pain.

Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture

Dry Needling and acupuncture are not the same.  While both use a similar tool, a dry, solid filament needle, the difference is how it is performed by different practitioners with different training.  Acupuncture is based on Eastern medicine, while TDN  is based on western medicine, neuroanatomy, the modern study of musculoskeletal and nervous systems, as well as pain patterns, posture, movement impairment, functional and orthopedic tests.

Is TDN the Right Treatment for Me?

Dry Needling is a safe and natural way to relieve pain, improve motion, and restore function.  However, it is rarely a standalone procedure.

Dry Needling is part of a physical therapy approach which incorporates other forms and techniques of physical therapy treatment.  To learn if this is the right treatment for you, reach out to me for a Free Phone Consultation where I can help answer your questions and better understand the role dry needling can play as part of a physical therapy treatment.

If you’re ready to see what a physical therapy session entails, you can reach out to me and schedule a Free Discovery Visit.  We are able to offer a Free 30 Minute Physical Therapy “Discovery” Session. This is perfect for people suffering with ANY type of PAIN or (Stiffness) who could ENJOY life much more WITHOUT it. You’ll leave your “Taster” knowing exactly WHAT’S GOING WRONG.  It’s perfect for anyone who would like to be SHOWN how Specialist Physical Therapy works before UPGRADING to all the extra benefits included in a full consultation.