There are many reasons for muscular pain, including stress, tension, or injury. Trigger point dry needling (TDN) is a treatment used for reducing myofascial trigger points, which can be a source of pain. TDN uses a thin, solid needle to access the trigger points, or taut bands of tissue, that create pain and dysfunction.

When the needle is inserted into a trigger point, this precipitates a deep ache or twitch response in the muscle that dissolves as the muscle releases. This response helps untie the myofascial “knot” and promotes healing of the tissue, allowing the muscle to function more efficiently.

Depending on the unique issue, there may be multiple trigger points treated in one session, and a few sessions may be necessary to receive the most benefit. To reach full potential and return to regular activities, it is important to realize that this is only one tool of many that physical therapists use.

Other methods include myofascial release to manually treat the entire fascial system in conjunction with medical therapeutic yoga to address the neuromuscular reeducation necessary to regain musculoskeletal stability.

 

Christine Roper, MSPY, PYT, is the founder of Roper Physical Therapy, located at 301 E. Tremont Ave., Ste. B, in Charlotte. For appointments and more information, call 980-298-6706 or visit RoperPT.com.