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Dry Needling FAQs

How Does Trigger Point Dry Needling Work?

The mechanical stimulation of the muscle produces a local twitch response or rapid depolarization of muscle fibers.  After this process, the muscle activity dramatically reduces resulting in relaxation and decrease pain and dysfunction.  This decrease in pain is related to the removal of muscular compression on joint, nerve, and vascular tissue.  Sometimes the insertion of the needle also reproduces “referred pain” symptoms.  This is a positive sign confirming the trigger point as the source of the pain.  It is further theorized that dry needling stimulates the release of endogenous opiods, and initiates the healing process.  Dry needling is highly effective for chronic muscle and repetitive sport injuries. 

How is Dry Needling Different From Acupuncture?

Trigger point dry needling uses the same tool that Acupuncture uses, but with a different theoretical purpose.  Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners use the holistic treatment of Acupuncture to normalize energy, or Chi, in the body to cure syndromes.  Although an Acupuncture needle is used in TDN, TDN is based on traditional reasoning of Western medicine.  The sites for the needle insertion are located in specific myofascial trigger points in skeletal muscle, which can differ from Acupuncture.

Where Can I Have Dry Needling Done?

Bartlinski Chiropractic & Physical Therapy now offers Dry Needling! Call today to schedule a physical therapy examination by one of our experienced clinicians.  You will experience the difference right away in superior customer service and advanced knowledge.  We provide personalized care… achieving exceptional outcomes! 

Resources:

1.) Trigger Point Dry Needling: An Evidenced and Clinical-Based Approach. Dommerholt, Jan. 2013 

2.) www.myopainseminars.com

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