Trigger-point dry needling is an invasive procedure where a fine needle
or acupuncture needle is inserted
into the skin and muscle. It is aimed at
myofascial trigger points (MTrP) which are
hyperirritable spots in skeletal muscle that are associated with a
hypersensitive palpable nodule in a taut band. Trigger point dry needling can
be carried out at superficial or deep tissue level.
The effectiveness of this treatment depends greatly on the skill of the
therapist to accurately palpate mysofascial trigger points as well as
kinaesthetic awareness of the anatomical structures.
Dry-needling can restore
muscle activation and strength as well as ROM.
Dry-needling decreases
pain in patients with Chronic low back pain and in patients with
hemiparetic upper limb post CVA.
The needle may cause a
small focal lesion which triggers satellite cell migration to the area which
repair or replace damaged myofibers. This occurs 3-5 days after dry needling.