Dry Needling Treats Muscular Pain by Stimulating Trigger Points

While the name of this procedure may sound intimidating, dry needling is safe, minimally discomforting, and an effective technique for patients with certain musculoskeletal presentations. 

As a skilled, trained chiropractor certified in this procedure, Dr. Tharpe inserts a thin needle into your tissue to treat underlying muscular trigger points.

What is a trigger point?

A trigger point is a hyperirritable, tight band in a muscle fiber that can disrupt function, restrict range of motion, refer pain, or cause local tenderness. When dry needling is applied to a dysfunctional muscle or trigger point, it can decrease banding or tightness, increase blood flow, and reduce local and referred pain.

Dry needling is not the same as acupuncture. While both procedures employ similar tools, that’s where the similarities end. Acupuncture is based on Eastern medicine, while dry needling is rooted in Western medicine and evaluation of pain patterns, posture, movement impairments, function, and orthopedic tests.

Dry needling treats muscle tissue, and its goal is to reduce pain, inactivate trigger points, and restore function. It rarely is a standalone procedure. Rather, it often is part of a broader physical therapy approach incorporating other traditional physical therapy interventions into treatment.

Come see us in Franklin so you can get on your path to wellness.