Dry Needling
What is dry needling
Dry needling is a treatment method within physical therapy in which muscles are punctured by an acupuncture needle and as a result relax. The big difference with acupuncture is that acupuncture is based on an ‘energetic concept’ in which meridians and energy play an important role. Dry needling is a physiological reaction of the body when the ‘trigger points’ are stimulated.
What is a trigger point?
A trigger point is a cramped spot in a muscle that often causes radiating pain in addition to localized pressure pain. Treatment focuses on disabling the trigger point.
What does dry needling feel like?
You hardly feel the insertion of the needle. When the trigger point is punctured, you will feel a short tension of the muscle very locally. You may experience this as a kind of cramping sensation. Then the muscle relaxes and can move more easily. Often the treated area does feel a bit tired and/or stiff, but this is usually short-lived.
Dry needling physical therapists
Marten Elzinga, Msc
