Dry needling works by targeting myofascial trigger points — tight, hyperirritable spots within a muscle that cause pain and can radiate to other parts of the body.

1. Identifying Trigger Points: The doctor first locates the muscle knots or trigger points in the affected area using palpation (manual examination) and the patient’s symptoms. These points often feel tense or firm and can refer pain to other areas of the body.

2. Needling the Trigger Point: A thin, solid needle (similar to an acupuncture needle) is inserted into the muscle at the site of the trigger point. The needle does not inject any substances but is used to create a small, localized injury to the muscle tissue, which prompts the muscle to relax and release.

3. The "Twitch Response": One of the key indicators that dry needling is working is the "twitch response." This is a brief contraction of the muscle in response to the needle, which indicates that the needle has penetrated the trigger point and is causing a release of tension in the muscle.

4. Promoting Healing and Pain Relief: Once the needle is in place, the muscle will typically relax, blood flow is improved, and the healing process is initiated. The technique helps reduce pain, improve muscle function, and restore normal movement patterns.

Dry needling is effective for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:

• Chronic Muscle Pain: Conditions such as tension headaches, neck pain, lower back pain, and general muscle stiffness can be treated with dry needling.

• Sports Injuries: Dry needling helps with injuries like tennis elbow, runner’s knee, and shin splints, by targeting muscle tightness and improving mobility.

• Myofascial Pain Syndrome: This condition involves widespread muscle pain due to trigger points, and dry needling is one of the most effective treatments for it.

• Postural Dysfunction: Individuals with poor posture or muscle imbalances may experience pain in the shoulders, neck, and back, which can be alleviated through dry needling.

• Joint Dysfunction and Pain: Dry needling can help treat pain caused by restricted movement in the muscles surrounding joints, improving range of motion.

• Pain Relief: Dry needling can provide rapid and lasting pain relief by addressing the root causes of pain in muscles, tendons, and fascia.

• Improved Mobility: By releasing muscle knots and restoring normal muscle function, dry needling can increase range of motion and flexibility.

• Increased Blood Flow: The insertion of needles stimulates blood circulation, which accelerates the healing process by delivering oxygen and nutrients to the affected tissue.

• Muscle Relaxation: Dry needling helps to break up tight, contracted muscles, leading to relaxation and reduced muscle spasms.

• Non-invasive and Drug-Free: Dry needling provides a non-surgical, drug-free solution to many musculoskeletal issues, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to avoid medication or surgery.

• Initial Consultation: Your doctor will assess your condition and discuss your symptoms to determine if dry needling is an appropriate treatment option.

• The Procedure: A small, thin needle is inserted into the trigger point or tight muscle. You may feel a slight discomfort or a "twitch" sensation, but it should not be painful.

• Post-Treatment Care: After the session, you may feel some mild soreness or stiffness in the treated area, similar to how muscles feel after an intense workout. This is temporary and typically resolves within a few hours to a day. Stretching and gentle movement can help relieve any discomfort.