Dry Needling at Innova

What is a Trigger Point and How Does Dry Needling (DN) / Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) Help?

A myofascial trigger point is a taut band within the muscle that is painful when touched, stretched, or contracted. Trigger points not only contribute to pain, but they can also result in decreased flexibility, muscle weakness or inhibition, impaired movement, and impaired stability. Dry needling is a technique used by physical therapists which involves insertion of a thin filiform needle through the skin and into the trigger point. Insertion of the needle causes a "local twitch response", which causes the muscle fibers to contract and then relax. Your physical therapist may also use electric stimulation in combination with dry needling, to further enhance the benefits. This modality is extremely effective in reducing pain, improving movement, and improving function, so you can get back to doing the things you love to do!

What conditions can be treated with DN?

• Low back pain and sciatica
• Neck pain and nerve impingement
• Headaches
• TMJ disorders
• Hip pain
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Shoulder pain/impingement
• Elbow pain (eg tennis elbow or golfer's elbow)
• Carpal tunnel symptoms
• Running related injuries (calf, hamstring pain, ITB syndrome, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, PFPS)
• Muscle strains/ tendonitis/ tendinosis
• Chronic pain/ chronic tight muscle