Dry Needling for Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Often patients come to see us with trigger point pain (often referred to as myofascial pain syndrome). One therapy that we use to help them is called dry needling. Our goal in dry needling is to release or inactivate trigger points. This then helps to relieve pain and improve range of motion. Because it goes directly to the source of pain, dry needling may help patients to see progress more quickly than other therapies.
Why “Dry” Needling for Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Dry needling is based in Western medicine and is backed up by much research. Practitioners have specialized training in the field. We call this therapy “dry” needling because no medication or injection is involved. The needle that we use is a very thin filament needle, unlike the thicker hypodermic needles used at a doctor’s office. Because of this, entry is much more comfortable. Often patients do not feel the insertion at all. After the needle is inserted and the muscles relax, there may be a slight sensation of aching or cramping, but typically patients notice an immediate improvement after treatment.
Dry needling has many benefits to patients. It improves blood flow and healing to the area, reduces muscle tension and tight muscle fibers associated with trigger points, and decreases pain while increasing function. We use this therapy for many issues including migraines, tension headaches, or chronic muscle pain.
If you are experiencing pain from myofascial pain syndrome, give us a call. Dr. Marone can perform a thorough evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate for this treatment as part of a program designed to reduce your pain and improve your function.