What is Trigger Point Dry Needling?
Muscle pain and tension can be frustrating, limiting your mobility and overall quality of life. One highly effective technique used in physical therapy to target and relieve muscular discomfort is trigger point dry needling. This innovative treatment involves the precise insertion of thin, sterile needles into tight muscle knots, known as trigger points, to release tension, improve blood flow, and restore function. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, injury recovery, or muscle stiffness, trigger point dry needling can be a powerful addition to your physical therapy treatment plan.
In this blog, I'm going to tell you everything you need to know about trigger point dry needling including what it is, how it works, who can benefit from dry needling (including specific diagnoses), what it feels like, and what to expect during and after trigger point dry needling. Keep reading to learn how this therapy works and why it may be the key to unlocking lasting relief.
What is Trigger Point Dry Needling?
Trigger Point Dry Needling (TPDN) has been gaining a lot of attention as a minimally invasive procedure that is SUPER EFFECTIVE at quickly reducing pain, promoting circulation, improving range of motion, and increasing muscle performance. (Chys M, et al, Clinical Effectiveness of Dry Needling in Patients with Musculoskeletal Pain-An Umbrella Review. J Clin Med. 2023) But what exactly is TPDN, and how can it help you? Let's dive deep into this therapy to see if it's the right fit for you!
History
Janet Travell was an American physician that began her research into myofascial pain and trigger points back in the 1940's. She discovered that small, taut bands of muscles (trigger points) could cause pain, often finding that the spots could reproduce pain felt in other areas of the body.
She was performing trigger point injections using medication to treat these areas. One day she stopped and thought to herself, "I wonder if you could get the same response using NO MEDICATION?" This was groundbreaking work, creating the term 'dry needling'.
FUN FACT: Janet Travell was the first female personal physician to the president, John F. Kennedy, in 1960! One of her treatments included the use of a rocking chair and ottoman for the president's chronic back pain.
In 1983, she co-published Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual, a comprehensive guide to identifying and treating trigger points. This foundational textbook was instrumental in bringing attention to the importance of a more holistic approach.
How Does Trigger Point Dry Needling Work?
Although dry needling itself can encompass a variety of techniques including intramuscular stimulation, scar tissue work, etc, we are mainly talking about dry needling for trigger points.
What is a Trigger Point?
A trigger point is a hyper-irritable nodule, or knot, found in the muscle which can cause pain, tightness, and dysfunction. The pain can be felt local or refer to a different area of the body. A great example of this is the use of TPDN in the upper traps for a client with headaches!
These trigger points are often described as knots that form when muscles do not relax. They can cause local pain and may also refer to other areas of the body. For instance, a trigger point in the neck might cause headaches or pain in the shoulder. By inserting needles directly into these trigger points, TPDN aims to relieve muscle tension, improve blood flow, and reduce pain.
How It Works
To understand how TPDN works, it's essential to know how trigger points form. When muscles are overused or injured, tight bands of muscle fibers form which restrict blood flow, causing the muscle to become starved of oxygen and nutrients, leading to pain and dysfunction.
During a TPDN session, a trained therapist inserts a needle directly into the trigger point. This action can cause the muscle to twitch, a response known as a "local twitch response." This twitch indicates that the needle has successfully reached the trigger point. The insertion of the needle disrupts the tight band of muscle fibers, promoting relaxation, increasing blood flow, and encouraging the muscle to return to its normal function.
Benefits of Trigger Point Dry Needling
Pain Relief: One of the primary reasons people seek out TPDN is for pain relief. By targeting the trigger points, the therapy can reduce pain in specific areas, as well as referred pain in other parts of the body.
Improved Mobility: Tight muscles can limit your range of motion, making it difficult to perform everyday activities. TPDN can help release these tight muscles, allowing for improved flexibility and mobility.
Enhanced Recovery: For athletes and active individuals, TPDN can be a valuable tool in recovery. It can help reduce muscle soreness, speed up the healing process, and get you back to your activities faster.
Reduced Muscle Tension: Chronic muscle tension can lead to various issues, including headaches, back pain, and stress. TPDN can help relax these tense muscles, providing long-term relief.
What to Expect
If you’re considering TPDN, it’s important to know what to expect during a session. Here’s a step-by-step overview:
Assessment: Your therapist will start by assessing your condition, including your pain levels, range of motion, and any areas of muscle tightness. They’ll also ask about your medical history to ensure that TPDN is appropriate for you and your goals for therapy.
Treatment: Once the assessment is complete, the therapist will locate the trigger points and insert the needles into your muscles. As the needle hits the trigger point, you may feel a twitch or a brief, intense cramping sensation..
Post-Needling: After the needles are removed, you might feel some soreness or aching in the treated area. This sensation is normal and usually subsides within a day or two.
Aftercare: Hydration is important. Your therapist will also recommend specific stretches and exercises to enhance your recovery.
Is Trigger Point Dry Needling Safe?
Safety is a common concern when it comes to any therapy involving needles. As with any medical treatment, there are potential risks and side effects, bruising and soreness being the most common. TPDN is considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner. Finding someone knowledgeable and experienced can make all the difference in the outcome of your treatment. Look for a provider with a good reputation that specializes in dry needling to minimize these risks.
In Conclusion
Trigger point dry needling dry needling is a highly effective technique for relieving muscle pain, improving mobility, and enhancing overall well-being. Whether you're struggling with chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or looking to optimize your physical performance, dry needling can be a game-changer. Don't let discomfort hold you back—take the first step toward relief today. Schedule an appointment with our experienced professionals and experience the benefits of dry needling firsthand. Your journey to pain-free living starts now!
