Releasing Trigger Points at the Source
Dry needling is a technique that targets trigger points — tight, painful bands within an overused or injured muscle — using a very small needle. When the needle is inserted, it can help trigger a “twitch response” in the muscle, which is associated with reduced muscle tension and improved local nervous system function. During your exam, we’ll help determine which trigger points are likely the source of your pain or dysfunction.
Most patients don’t feel the needle enter the skin, since the needles used are extremely thin. Usually only two or three muscles in a given region contain the trigger points responsible for most of a patient’s symptoms. Afterward, the treated area may feel sore or crampy for an hour or up to a day, but this is a normal part of the process rather than a sign of injury.
Dry needling is commonly used to help with back pain, neck pain, headaches, whiplash from car accidents, sports injuries, tennis elbow, and plantar fasciitis, among other trigger-point-related conditions.
What Happens at Your First Visit
- Assessment — We examine the affected area and identify the trigger points most likely contributing to your symptoms.
- Treatment — A thin filament needle is used to treat each identified trigger point.
- Recovery & Follow-Up — We check how your body responded and fold dry needling into your broader treatment plan as needed.