Dry Needling

What is Dry Needling Therapy

Dry Needling Therapy is also known as Trigger Point Dry Needling or Myofascial Trigger Point Dry Needling is a process in which thin needles are inserted into the trigger points or tight muscles of the body. It is usually done to treat myofascial pain { Myo means Muscle and Fascia means Tissue that connects muscles}. The main purpose is to improve Tissue Healing and Restore Muscle Function.

Muscles in our Body sometimes develop knotted areas called Trigger points which are quite sensitive and can be painful when touched. Physiotherapists push thin solid needles through the skin into trigger points. These Needles are used to stimulate the tissue and not to inject the medication.

Patients may experience different sensations, muscle soreness, aching, a muscle twitch, etc when being needled which is considered to be a good sign. The needles may be placed deeply or superficially, for shorter or longer periods depending upon the type of pain being treated.

Conditions Treated

Dry Needling is usually used as a part of an overall plan. It is used to increase the range of motion that may be restricted due to muscle tightness or scar tissue. It may also be helpful in treating:

• Low back pain/Tension
• Neck pain 
• Tennis Elbow
• Spinal Dysfunction 
• Migraines
• Joint Dysfunction
• Sciatica
• Disc Problems
• Tendinitis
• Jaw and Mouth Problems (Such as Temporomandibular Joint Disorders or TMJ)
• Repetitive Motion Disorders (Like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
• Pelvic Pains
• Night Cramps
• Post-Herpetic Neuralgia

Contraindications

Dry Needling Therapy should be avoided in the patients under the following circumstances:

• Abnormal Bleeding Tendency
• compromised Immune System
• Vascular Disease
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy
• Children
• Frail Patients
• Patients with Epilepsy
• Psychological Status