What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a technique specifically aimed at treating myofascial pain by inserting thin needles directly into trigger points within the muscle tissue. Trigger points are hypersensitive areas that can contribute to pain and dysfunction in the muscle. By targeting these points with needles, the treatment works to release tight muscle bands, improve blood circulation, reduce muscle tension, and facilitate healing.

The technique is distinct from acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine and focuses primarily on the balance of energy or "qi" within the body. While both use needles, dry needling is dissected from the principles of acupuncture and is rooted in Western medical anatomy and physiology.

It is also important to note that dry needling is not exclusively a pain medication procedure. Rather, it is a hands-on treatment technique aimed at alleviating pain and restoring normal function, often used in conjunction with other treatment modalities in physical therapy.

Lastly, while electrical stimulation can be part of physical therapy, it does not characterize dry needling itself, as the primary intervention involves inserting needles into muscle tissues.