Dry Needling

We have highly skilled physical therapists at our Olney, Columbia, and Germantown locations who have taken extensive training to become certified in trigger points and dry needling.

Dry needling is the insertion of sterile single use acupuncture needles directly into myofascial (muscular) trigger points. Trigger points are composed of multiple tight contraction knots within the muscle which cause and contribute to pain within the body. Research studies have shown that inserting such needles into trigger points causes biochemical changes within the body, which help reduce pain.

Although Dry Needling uses the same needles as acupuncture, it is not the same technique. Dry Needling is strictly based upon Western medicine principles of treating myofascial trigger points, which are different from traditional acupuncture points. Pioneering studies by Dr. Jay Shah and colleagues have shown that inserting needles into trigger points causes biomechanical changes which alleviate pain. It is essential to elicit local “twitch” responses within the muscle, which are the first step to breaking the pain cycle and releasing tight trigger points within muscles.

Dry Needling is just one part of your treatment and other therapy techniques will also be used as appropriate to gain the best results. You will be advised on the correct exercises to perform in conjunction with your treatment and these will be progressed with time to complete your rehabilitation.

Dry needling can be used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal problems. 

Examples of Conditions Which Can Be Treated Successfully with Dry Needling are:

• Back and Neck Pain, including Postural Problems and Tension
• Arm Pain (Shoulder Impingements, Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow)
• Headaches
• Buttock and Leg Pain (including Sciatic Pain)
• Hamstring Strains
• Knee Pain
• Calf Tightness or Cramps