Dry needling is a safe and effective treatment used for a variety of musculoskeletal problems including those of the neck, shoulder, elbow, jaw, back, hip, leg, and foot.
It works by inserting a solid filament needle into the skin and muscle directly at a myofascial trigger point. These trigger points consist of multiple contraction knots/taut bands, which are related to the production and maintenance of the pain cycle. They can also affect range of motion, strength, and disrupt overall function.
- Inserting a needle into trigger points can cause favorable biochemical changes, which helps decrease local and referred pain.
- Dry needling may be needed in the beginning in order to break the pain cycle.
- Rather than a stand alone treatment, it is often part of the overall broader treatment of physical therapy.
- Posture, movement impairments, orthopedic tests, and pain patterns are also evaluated to support the use for dry needling.
- Dry needling is different from acupuncture whereas dry needling practitioners have different training and this technique is strictly based on Western medicine principles and research.
Dr. Jaime Martuscello, PT, DPT, CMTPT/DN is a Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist-Dry Needling. She has achieved the highest level of clinical proficiency in managing patients with myofascial pain.
