There is a technique used by some physical therapists for the treatment of pain and difficulties involving physical movement called dry needling. Missoula residents can take advantage of this technique which utilizes a dry needle (no injection or medication involved) which is inserted into the skin at various muscle locations. This technique is sometimes referred to as intramuscular manual therapy or trigger point dry needling.
To be clear, dry needling is not acupuncture. It is supported by research and based on Western medicine concepts.
Trigger Points
Consisting of band of skeletal muscle, trigger points are positioned within a larger muscle group. Trigger points can feel tender to the touch. A person can experience significant pain to other parts of the body when trigger points are contacted.
Types of Needles Used
The technique of dry needling utilizes a thin filiform needle. It is used to penetrate the skin and stimulate myofascial trigger points as well as connective and muscular tissues. Using this needle enables a physical therapist to zero in on tissues that are not palpable through manual massage or other means.
Physical therapists often wear protective equipment, including gloves when performing a dry needling procedure. They do so in accordance with OSHA standards, the Guide to Infection Prevention for Outpatient settings, and general standard precautions. Sterile needles, once used, are to be disposed of properly.
Part of a Larger Treatment Plan
Often dry needling is used by physical therapists in connection with a larger, comprehensive treatment protocol.
The goal of dry needling is to release or inactivate shorter points in order to improve range of motion or relieve pain. Research exists that supports this technique for the reduction of muscle tension, improvement of pain control, and normalization of motor and plate dysfunctions – these are the locations in which nerve impulses are sent to muscles. The technique can help patients resume active rehabilitation as quickly as possible.
Part of the physical therapist education is in the anatomy of the body and therapeutic treatment of various parts of the body. Physical therapists who include dry needling in their service offerings obtain postgraduate education and training in order to use the method. It’s important to know the education and experience of a physical therapist before receiving treatment from their office.
