Trigger Points Causes Muscle Tightness & Pain Relief
Muscle pain and tightness can be caused by knots, or more specifically, myofascial trigger points. Trigger points are hyperirritable spots within tight bands of muscles that cause localized tenderness, rigidity, and even pain felt in other areas of the body. Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used to deactivate trigger points and return muscles to their proper function. At Alpha Sports Performance Medicine we often use dry needling as part of an individualized treatment program that incorporates rehab exercises and manual therapy.
Dry needling addresses the root cause of muscle pain and dysfunction.
Myofascial Trigger Points Explained
Trigger points are formed when small areas of muscle fibers fail to return to their relaxed state. These microscopic knots hinder circulation and limit the flow of oxygen to the tissue causing a hypersensitive response to pressure.
When blood flow is compromised, muscle tissues fill up with metabolic waste byproducts. This buildup irritates the nerves and receptors surrounding the affected area creating tight bands of tissue many of us are familiar with when palpating sore muscles. Trigger points may also produce referred pain to other regions of the body.
A trigger point deep in your shoulder may cause pain that radiates into your arm or neck for example.
Dry Needling Targets Myofascial Trigger Points to Eliminate Pain
Dry needling involves inserting thin, sterile needles into areas of muscle congestion. The needle penetrates the contracted muscle fibers, eliciting a local twitch response, or tiny involuntary muscle contraction. This response helps reset the muscle, allowing it to return to its resting length.
After the twitch response, the knot is released, restoring circulation and increasing the flow of oxygen to the tissue. Increased blood flow flushes metabolic waste out of the affected region while also quieting irritation in nearby nerves.
Patients often experience less pain and stiffness immediately after treatment because their muscles are able to elongate and move freely again.
What else happens during dry needling?
In addition to resetting the affected muscle, dry needling interrupts how pain signals are processed by the central nervous system. When trigger points are active, they continually communicate with the brain, magnifying the perception of pain. Needling the trigger point interrupts these signals.
Your body compensates by increasing activity along pain inhibiting pathways. These nerve circuits release chemicals that calm the body’s response to pain and decrease overall sensitivity.
Decreased pain and sensitivity may benefit patients suffering from both local muscle issues and the body’s reaction to prolonged irritation.
The Significance of the Local Twitch Response
During a dry needling session, your practitioner may move the needle around until a local twitch response occurs. The local twitch response is your muscle’s sudden reaction to having its trigger point directly stimulated.
This response will force the affected muscle to relax and kick-start biochemical reactions that decrease inflammation and sensitivity along nearby nerves. When followed by corrective exercise and stretching, these changes may help your body maintain improvements between treatment sessions.
Some patients describe the local twitch response as confirmation that the problem was properly treated.
Muscle Conditions That Can Be Relieved With Dry Needling
Dry needling can be used to treat many conditions that cause muscle pain, including issues with the neck, shoulders, back, hips, and legs. Many people find relief from chronic tightness, repetitive strains, and mobility deficits caused by trigger points.
Dry needling can help athletes heal from strains and overuse injuries more comfortably. The treatment decreases muscle tension and increases mobility, which allows athletes to return to practice sooner.
Patients who suffer from chronic spinal stiffness or pelvic imbalances may also notice improvement with a combination of dry needling sessions and stability exercises. Strengthening the muscles supporting these areas helps turn temporary pain relief into long-lasting recovery.
What Occurs During Dry Needling
Your therapist will start your session with an evaluation and thorough examination of your muscles to determine the location of your trigger points. They will then place several thin needles into areas of concern using anatomical landmarks as a guide.
You may feel a small prick when the needle penetrates your skin, followed by a dull ache or twitch as your muscle contracts. The sensation should not last longer than a few seconds.
You may experience some soreness after treatment, similar to how your muscles feel after a workout. This should subside in 1-2 days.
Superficial Versus Deep Dry Needling Techniques
There are two main types of dry needling techniques: superficial dry needling and deep dry needling. Superficial dry needling only penetrates the skin and is used to help relax overly sensitive nerves.
Deep dry needling goes into the motor endplate of tense muscle fibers to release trigger points deeper in the tissue. Which technique is used depends on where your trigger points are located, your comfort level, and the goals of treatment.
Your clinician will use the technique that is safest and most comfortable for you.
Integrating Dry Needling Into A Exercise Program
Dry needling can provide near immediate relief from muscle pain; however, it’s most effective when combined with rehabilitative exercise. Targeted strengthening, mobility work, and posture correction can help prevent the return of trigger points.
Alpha clinicians use dry needling to complement physical therapy and movement exercises so patients can stay pain-free while restoring muscular balance and movement patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does dry needling help trigger points near me?
Dry needling is effective at treating muscle tightness, trigger points, chronic neck and back pain, athletes’ injuries, and other movement limitations caused by muscle dysfunction.
Will dry needling hurt?
Most patients experience a brief prick when the needle first enters the skin and may feel a twitch or ache as the muscle contracts. Any discomfort is usually temporary and is often followed by muscular release.
How long does dry needling take to work?
Some patients experience pain relief right away, while others take a few hours to notice their muscles loosening up. Long-term improvement usually requires multiple treatments along with exercise.
Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
Dry needling is not the same as acupuncture. Dry needling utilizes Western medicine principles and targets specific trigger points, while acupuncture is based on Eastern medicinal practices.
How many dry needling sessions will I need?
Some patients notice improvements after just one to three treatments. Chronic conditions may take several treatments when used along with physical therapy.