Dry Needling

Dry Needling is often confused with accupuncture. The only thing they have in common is the use of disposable needles. The difference is that in accupuncture, meridians are treated energetically. In dry needling, myofascial trigger points are released.

Trigger points are local, painful and tense areas in a muscle. A trigger point is selectively painful and sensitive to pressure, and creates a radiation of pain. The cause of trigger points often lies in incorrect weightbearing or overstressing, injuries, accidents or after operations. Often, there are several active trigger points, and multiple treatment sessions are required to release them.

The goal of trigger point therapy or dry needling is to offer the patient release from tension. This can be achieved through targeted massage («triggering») or with dry needling. The trigger points often lie in different muscles than the ones that are signalling the pain. When the physiotherapist correctly locates the so-called trigger point, the muscle usually twitches in response.

Dry needling should be seen as an integral component of a physiotherapeutic treatment.

Is dry neeedling painful?

That varies from patient to patient. Most people can tolerate the prick very well, others find it painful.