What is Functional Dry Needling Trigger Point Therapy?  

Functional Dry needling treatment involves use of thin monofilament needle, the same kind used for acupuncture. However, this is where the similarities between acupuncture and dry needling stop. Dry Needling is used to treat myofascial trigger points. 

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Trigger points are tight bands of skeletal muscle that produce pain locally and refer pain in a predictable pattern. They can cause restriction of movement, reduction in strength and power. 

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The dry needle is inserted into the trigger point where it may elicit a local twitch response. While this can be a strange feeling, it is a good sign during treatment. The presence of the needle disrupts the contraction and causes a relaxation of the muscle. It also "clears the parking lot" of the neurotransmitter that is responsible for maintaining the contraction and helps to balance the pH in the local tissue. A negative pH has been associated with increased nociception or pain sensitivity. Lastly, the insertion of the needle causes a small, local inflammatory response that can help to progress a stagnant healing process. 

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The goal of Functional Dry Needling is to restore movement, strength and function. The treatment may be used a part of your overall program and will typically be followed by exercises and a home program to support the improvement achieved with treatment. 

 

For those who are interested, we do offer Functional Dry Needling as a stand alone treatment session when appropriate. These are 30 minute appointments and we do require a full initial evaluation first to be sure this treatment is right for you. Call for more information or to request this appointment. 

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If you are interested to learn more about Trigger Point Therapy with Functional Dry Needling and whether this modality would be beneficial for your pain or movement problem, contact us today to learn more. 406-880-7945