Trigger points can also lead to a muscle “switching off” or reducing the strength of its contraction. Dry Needling is similar to acupuncture, however, it follows different theories from the traditional Chinese medicine. Dry needling at trigger points has been shown to stimulate a response from the nerves which allows the muscle to relax and result in reduced pain.
The needles we use are incredibly fine and, for this reason, there is minimal to no pain felt when inserting the needles. There is often a “local twitch response” noted when needles are inserted into a trigger point with a rapid contraction of the muscle and sometimes a brief “cramping” type sensation is felt.
By reducing trigger points, individuals are often able to perform movements more efficiently and with reduced pain, facilitating better and more functional rehabilitation.