From Trigger Points to Relief: What is Dry Needling?

You know that nagging knot in your shoulder that just won’t go away? You’ve tried stretching, massage, and maybe even a heat pack, but the tension remains stubborn. That tight spot is likely a trigger point, and for many people, traditional therapies struggle to reach deep enough to release it.

This is where dry needling comes in. So what is dry needling? While the name might sound a bit intimidating to the uninitiated, it is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment designed to target muscle pain at its source. It’s not about covering up symptoms; it’s about resetting the muscle to function correctly again.

At Figa Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we often encounter patients who have lived with chronic muscle pain for years, assuming it’s just something they have to deal with. But with the right intervention, relief is possible. If you are looking for a way to address muscle tightness and dysfunction directly, understanding how dry needling works is the first step toward recovery.

Dry needling, also known as intramuscular stimulation, is a therapeutic technique used by trained healthcare practitioners to treat muscular pain and movement impairments. The procedure involves inserting a sterile, solid, filiform needle directly into a "trigger point" or a tight band of skeletal muscle.

The term "dry" is used to distinguish this technique from "wet" needling, which involves the injection of a fluid, such as a local anesthetic, saline, or corticosteroids. In dry needling, nothing is injected into the body. The needle itself is the tool. The primary goal is to release the tension in the muscle, decrease pain, and improve the range of motion.

It is important to address a common confusion right away: dry needling is not the same as acupuncture. While both therapies use similar tools (thin, stainless steel needles), their philosophies and theoretical frameworks are entirely different. Acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It focuses on balancing the flow of energy, known as "Qi," along specific pathways or meridians in the body. Dry needling, conversely, is strictly based on Western medicine principles and neuroanatomy. Practitioners like Dr. Figa do not place needles based on ancient energy maps. Instead, they rely on physical examinations to locate palpable, physical knots in the muscle tissue that are causing dysfunction.

To understand why dry needling is effective, you first need to understand the enemy: the trigger point. A myofascial trigger point is a hyperirritable spot within a taut band of skeletal muscle. You likely know them simply as "knots." When you press on one, it hurts.

However, trigger points are tricky. They don't always just hurt where you press. They often cause "referred pain," meaning the pain radiates to a different part of the body. For example, a trigger point in your upper trap (shoulder) might cause a headache behind your eye. A knot in your glute might send pain down your leg, mimicking sciatica.

How do trigger points form?

Muscles are designed to contract and relax. A trigger point occurs when a specific cluster of muscle fibers gets stuck in a contracted state. This constant contraction constricts the tiny capillaries that supply the muscle with oxygen and nutrients.

Without adequate blood flow, the area becomes acidic and hypoxic (oxygen-starved). This chemical environment irritates the nerves, causing pain. Simultaneously, metabolic waste products build up because the blood flow isn't strong enough to flush them out. It becomes a vicious cycle: the pain causes the muscle to tighten further to protect itself, which restricts blood flow even more.

Common causes include:

• Repetitive overuse: Typing, running, or swinging a hammer.
• Acute trauma: Car accidents or sports injuries.
• Poor posture: Slouching at a desk or looking down at a phone.
• Stress: Psychological stress often manifests as physical tension in the shoulders and jaw.

The mechanics of dry needling are fascinating. When a practitioner inserts the needle into that taut band of muscle, the goal is to elicit a "local twitch response." This is a spinal cord reflex where the muscle fibers contract involuntarily and then release.

Think of it as hitting the "reset" button on your computer when it freezes. The twitch response breaks the cycle of pain and tension.

The physiological effects

• Mechanical Release: The physical presence of the needle disrupts the dysfunctional motor endplates (where the nerve meets the muscle), forcing the knotted fibers to relax and return to their normal resting length.
• Chemical Reset: The twitch response helps to flush out the acidic chemicals and inflammatory agents that have built up in the tissue.
• Pain Modulation: The insertion of the needle stimulates nerve fibers that send signals to the spinal cord and brain. This triggers the release of the body's natural painkillers, such as endorphins and enkephalins, providing immediate analgesic effects.
• Increased Blood Flow: Once the knot releases, blood flow returns to the area, bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients needed for the tissue to heal.

Patients at Figa Chiropractic & Acupuncture often report feeling a difference after just one session, though a course of treatment is usually recommended for lasting results. The benefits extend beyond simple pain relief.

Restored Range of Motion

When a muscle is shortened by a trigger point, it physically cannot stretch to its full length. This limits your flexibility and joint mobility. By releasing the knot, dry needling restores the muscle's elasticity, allowing you to move more freely. This is particularly beneficial for golfers, swimmers, and anyone who relies on full-body mobility.

Accelerated Recovery

For athletes, downtime is the enemy. Dry needling can speed up the recovery process by reducing muscle soreness and correcting muscular imbalances that might lead to compensation injuries. It effectively "wakes up" muscles that may have been inhibited by pain, allowing for more effective training and rehabilitation.

Chronic Pain Management

For those dealing with long-term conditions like fibromyalgia or old injuries, dry needling offers a drug-free option for managing discomfort. While it may not cure the underlying condition, it can significantly lower the baseline pain levels, making daily activities manageable again.

Because muscles are everywhere in the body, dry needling is an incredibly versatile treatment. It is commonly used to treat:

• Headaches and Migraines: Tension in the neck and upper back is a frequent trigger for tension headaches.
• Neck and Back Pain: Whether from a herniated disc or simple postural strain, releasing the surrounding musculature can take the pressure off the spine.
• Tendinitis: Conditions like Tennis Elbow (lateral epicondylitis) or Golfer's Elbow respond well when the muscles pulling on the tendon are released.
• Sciatica and Piriformis Syndrome: Tightness in the piriformis muscle can compress the sciatic nerve; releasing it can stop the shooting pain down the leg.
• Plantar Fasciitis: While the pain is in the foot, the cause is often tight calf muscles, which dry needling can address effectively.
• TMJ Disorders: Jaw pain and clicking caused by tight chewing muscles.
• Shin Splints: Common in runners, this can be alleviated by treating the lower leg muscles.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Addressing tightness in the forearm can reduce pressure on the median nerve.

Walking into a clinic for needling can make some patients nervous, but knowing what to expect can ease that anxiety. At Figa Chiropractic & Acupuncture, Dr. Figa prioritizes patient comfort and education throughout the process.

The Consultation

Your session begins with a thorough evaluation. Dr. Figa will assess your range of motion and palpate (feel) your muscles to identify the specific trigger points causing your issues. Not every pain requires needling, so this diagnostic step is crucial to ensure it’s the right tool for your specific condition.

The Treatment

Once the target areas are identified, you will be positioned comfortably. The insertion of the needle is typically painless; you may not even feel it enter the skin. When the needle hits the trigger point, you might feel a deep ache or a "twitch." This is a positive sign—it means the treatment is hitting the right spot. The sensation is brief.

Aftercare

Post-treatment soreness is common, similar to how you might feel after a rigorous workout. This usually fades within 24 to 48 hours. Dr. Figa will often prescribe stretches, heat application, or plenty of hydration to aid the recovery process and maximize the benefits of the session.

Dry needling is an excellent option for a wide demographic, but it isn't for everyone.

You might be a good candidate if:

• You have chronic muscle pain that massages haven't fixed.
• You are recovering from a sports injury.
• You have limited range of motion due to stiffness.
• You are looking for a medication-free pain management strategy.

When to proceed with caution

While safe, dry needling requires specific considerations. Dr. Figa will screen you for contraindications. Generally, those with needle phobias, active infections, or certain skin conditions may need alternative treatments. If you are on blood thinners or are pregnant, treatment may be modified or avoided depending on the specific circumstances.

Living with pain is exhausting. It drains your energy, limits your activities, and affects your mood. But you do not have to accept chronic tightness and discomfort as normal.

Dry needling offers a scientifically backed, effective path to relief. By addressing the root cause of muscular dysfunction—those stubborn trigger points—you can restore your body's natural ability to move and heal.

If you are ready to see if this therapy is the missing link in your recovery, the team at Figa Chiropractic & Acupuncture is here to help. Dr. Figa combines expertise with a compassionate approach to ensure you get the best possible care. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start your journey from trigger points to relief.

Figa Chiropractic & Acupuncture

https://maps.app.goo.gl/arYtTqW2hec8GVpeA

5650 W Chandler Blvd #3, Chandler, AZ 8522

(480) 605-0593

https://www.figachiro.com/