What is Dry Needling?

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a procedure that uses a filiform (acupuncture) needle to relieve myofascial trigger points ("muscle knots") by inserting the needle directly into the muscle at the trigger point. By inserting the needle into the trigger point the muscle is able to relax through a local twitch response (LTR).

What is the Difference Between Dry Needling and Acupuncture?

Dry Needling is focused only on helping myofascial trigger points release and relax through insertion of the needle. It is based on Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles.

 Acupuncture is based on the "meridians" developed in ancient Chinese philosophy and culture. Acupuncture strives to "unblock" these meridians to create balance withing bodily systems.

What Will I Feel During Dry Needling?

Typically a patient will not feel the insertion of the needle. The patient may experience the local twitch response (LTR) by feeling a slight contraction of the muscle. After the muscle contraction it is common to feel the muscle relax.

What Conditions Can Dry Needling Help?

Dry needling will work in conjunction with chiropractic to help:
Muscle Spasm
Neck and Low Back Pain
Shoulder Pain
Plantar Fasciitis
Hip Pain
Headache