Trigger Point Dry Needling

Trigger Point Dry Needling (TDN) is a hands-on neuromuscular treatment for muscular spasm and tightness.  Have you ever felt tightness in muscles in your neck, back or other muscles? It may feel good to get a massage but that pain and tightness remains or returns. A lot of times these are trigger points that are deep in the muscle that cannot be released with massage or other manual techniques.  These trigger points can result from poor posture, weakened muscles, or as a result of other diagnosis such as arthritis, herniated disc, tendonitis, muscle strains, sciatica and other nerve pain. When an injury causes an inflammatory response or there is an irritated nerve your muscles can go into a protective spasm contributing to or causing more pain.  Small, thin needles are inserted in the muscle at the trigger point causing your pain. The muscle will then contract and release which results in improved mobility and a decrease in symptoms.

Is TDN Acupuncture?

No it is not. Acupuncture and TDN both utilize very small and thin needles that are not usually felt when entering the skin but acupuncture is part of traditional Chinese medicine and by some considered “alternative medicine” to restore balance in the body by targeting specific acupuncture points.  In regards to TDN, many studies published have shown a significant role of trigger points with pain associated with tension and migraine headaches, neck and shoulder pain post mastectomy surgery, carpal tunnel symptoms, low back pain, fibromyalgia, shoulder pain, and knee arthritis. TDN is a tool that can be effectively used to improve these trigger points. Several randomized controlled studies have shown TDN to be an effective treatment and speed recovery for certain conditions. 

Can Any Therapist Perform TDN? 

No, TDN requires additional post professional training and experience. Every state has different laws and regulation for its use.  In the state of Virginia there are specific guidelines for which a physical therapist can utilize TDN including specialized training, number of hours of performance, passing advanced testing, and displaying expert proficiency through their continuing education.  At DPT, LLC our TDN therapist has trained and has experience well beyond the states guidelines and utilizes an evidence based approach with TDN. If you receive TDN at another facility it is important to ask if the therapist has had training within the practice guidelines within the state of Virginia to ensure safety and effectiveness of your treatment.  

 

“Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.” ( Romans 6:9  ESV)