What type of pain is primarily addressed by dry needling?

Dry needling primarily targets myofascial pain, which is associated with muscle tightness, trigger points, and tension within the fascia. This approach involves inserting thin needles into specific areas of muscle that have developed knots or trigger points, resulting in localized pain. By stimulating these trigger points with the needle, dry needling can help release muscle tightness, improve blood flow, and promote healing, leading to a reduction in pain and improved range of motion.

Myofascial pain syndrome is characterized by chronic pain that stems from muscle tissue and can be exacerbated by physical activity or stress. Dry needling specifically addresses this type of pain by directly affecting the trigger points within the muscles, making it an effective treatment for those experiencing persistent discomfort linked to myofascial issues.

In contrast, acute traumatic pain typically arises from injuries such as sprains or fractures, neuropathic pain originates from nerve damage, and visceral pain is associated with internal organs. While there may be intersections between these types of pain and myofascial pain, dry needling is particularly effective for addressing the muscular component found in myofascial pain syndromes.