Dry needling is one of several ways to treat trigger points. It involves specific manipulation of the muscle or fascia through the use of sterile disposable acupuncture needles. A taut band in the muscle is first identified and then a sterile acupuncture needle will be inserted into that area. The treatment is slightly uncomfortable when the needle is introduce through the skin but the discomfort does not persist. There are four techniques of dry needling: deep, superficial, static and dynamic and the choice of technique is dependent on the presentation of your condition.

The goals of dry needling are:

• To improve blood circulation to the trigger zone
• To relax the taut band in the muscle
• To release the surrounding tight fasciae

A safe application of electrical current across the body to stimulate the nervous system to provide pain relief.

A ‘trigger point’ or myofascial trigger point technically is defined as a highly sensitive spot usually within a taut band of skeletal muscle or in the muscle’s fascia. This point is painful when compressed and would refer pain to other specific parts of the body. For example, a trigger point in the neck will refer pain up to head which can cause a headache.

Trigger points happen due to acute trauma (e.g. car accidents, sports injuries, falling down), repetitive microtrauma (e.g. repetitive overuse injuries, sustained loading), poor posture, emotional stress and even inactivity such as prolonged bed rest or sitting.

Physiotherapists tend to use superficial dry needling or specific trigger point treatment to release the trigger points. Dry needling is a Western method of needling whereby a therapist such as a physiotherapist will insert fine needles into the belly of a muscle in order to release the tension. Another specific trigger point treatment involves applying sustained pressure on the trigger point region.

An effective hands-on technique that applies sustained pressure into areas of tightness. Each session is performed naturally without oils, creams or machines. Our therapists best tools are their well-trained hands as they accurately detect trigger points, joint restrictions or muscle tightness and apply the appropriate technique for relief.