Dry needling is an invasive procedure in which a solid filament needle is inserted into the skin and muscle directly at a myofascial trigger point. A myofascial trigger point consists of multiple contraction knots, which are related to the production and maintenance of the pain cycle.

What Type of Problems Can Be Treated with Dry Needling?

Dry needling can be used for a variety of musculoskeletal problems. Muscles are thought to be a primary contributing factor to the symptoms. Such conditions include, but are not limited to:

• Neck/back/shoulder pain
• Tennis elbow
• Carpal tunnel
• Golfer’s elbow
• Tension headaches and migraines
• Sciatica
• Hamstrings strains
• Calf tightness/spasms

The treatment of muscles has the greatest effect on reducing pain mechanisms in the nervous system.

For more information on needling and the difference between needling and acupuncture, go to our blog page for the post about it.