Dry needling is one of the most powerful modalities in treating soft tissue dysfunction.

Dry needling can help relieve the pain experienced by people with trigger points; however, it is not a stand-alone treatment, rather is used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, culminating other treatments such as massage, stretches, strengthening, postural training and stabilization which all aid in improved flood flow to muscles, therefore reducing the occurrence of trigger points.

Dry needling is an invasive procedure in which a sterile acupuncture needle is inserted in to the skin and muscle. When the acupuncture needle penetrates the trigger point, it elicits a local 'twitch response' and reduces the pain experienced by the trigger point.

How does it work?
Knots develop in muscles from overuse, trauma, poor posture, lack of exercise, sleep disturbances, vitamin deficiencies, joint arthritis or nerves compressed at the spine and other locations.
These painful areas contain biochemicals that cause pain to the local nerves and decreased oxygen flow, or ischemia, which causes the muscle fibers to become hypertonic or locked, which causes more biochemicals to be released and so the pain cycle continues.

Dry needling short-circuits the vicious pain cycle in a very direct way. The muscle contracture releases to its normal length, circulation is improved, swelling recedes and the pain-causing biochemicals disperse, eliminating their noxious effect on local nerves, the relief is often rapid with a reduction in pain and improved function.

Dry needling is an effective treatment for acute and chronic pain, rehabilitation from injury, and even pain and injury prevention, with very few side effects. This technique is unequalled in finding and eliminating neuromuscular dysfunction that leads to pain and functional deficits.

How is it performed?
When I do any musculoskeletal examination and find soft tissue problems