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Dry Needling May Help Your Muscle Pain Caused by Trigger Points

Dry Needling May Help Your Muscle Pain Caused by Trigger Points

Written by:   Yuchin Chang, PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT

 

What is a Trigger Point?
A Trigger Point is a hyper-irritable spot in a taut band of a muscle, which often can cause pain spontaneously. Trigger points can be the result of trauma, poor posture, repetitive movements, overloading of weak muscles, etc. When you have pain caused by trigger points, you often find yourself constantly rubbing over certain knotted areas of your muscles. If that is the case, the chances are that your pain may be caused by trigger points.

What can physical therapy do for your trigger points?
Physical therapists are experts in muscle and joint related dysfunctions, and we have different manual techniques to deactivate trigger points. Dry Needling is one of the most effective ways to resolve trigger points. Dry needling is the technique involving the use of a solid filament needle inserted into a trigger point.

When the needle is inserted into a trigger point, it is often accompanied by a local twitch response. The treatment can be uncomfortable, and patients often have post needle soreness. However, the treatment effect often is significant. During the session, patients will be instructed in ways to minimize the soreness.

Dry Needling is not an isolated physical therapy treatment method, and it is always followed by exercises, postural correction, movement re-education, and a home exercise program.

How do you know if your pain can be helped by Dry Needling?
You will need to be thoroughly evaluated by a physical therapist. I am certified in Trigger Point Dry Needling and am also a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. I spend extra time with my patients for their elusive pain condition and personalize my manual treatment program based on each patient’s response and pain condition.

If you would like more information, please call Professional Physical Therapy and Training at 973-270-7417. Our offices are located within the YMCA locations in Madison and Summit, NJ. You do not need to be a member of the YMCA to visit with us.

Image courtesy of graur razvan ionut / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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