At St. Claire, our physical therapists use dry needling as a technique
to treat chronic muscle pain. Using a “dry” needle (meaning
without medication or injection), physical therapists can release or inactivate
areas of the muscle, known as trigger points in order to relieve pain,
reduce muscle tension, or improve range of motion.
What is a trigger point?
A trigger point is a taut band of skeletal muscle located within a larger
muscle group. Trigger points can be tender to the touch and touching a
trigger point may cause pain to other parts of the body.
What kind of needles are used?
Dry needling involves a thin filiform needle that penetrates the skin and
stimulates underlying trigger points and muscular and connective tissues.
This thin needle allows a physical therapist to target tissues that are
not manually palpable.
