Discovering Dry Needling: A Game-Changer for Myofascial Pain

Dry Needling for myofascial pain is a very effective therapy, and it often works very quickly to break up active trigger points. Other terms for dry needling are myofascial trigger point acupuncture, or trigger point dry needling.

Dry needling is a type of acupuncture that is relatively unknown to the general public, and even many medical practitioners. But this is changing fast, as more and more people are trying dry needling for myofascial pain. It is a powerful treatment, and can work quite fast for chronic and acute muscular pain.

What is a Dry Needle?

Basically, a dry needle is an acupuncture needle. Acupuncture needles are very thin, filiform needles. This means they are not hollow, like a hypodermic needle. Because of this, no “wet” substance is injected into the body. Hence, the term “dry” needle is used. Technically, all acupuncture is dry needling. Hypodermic needles are about 10 times the size of an acupuncture needle. Acupuncture needles are are sterile, stainless steel, and single use only.

How Does Dry Needling for Myofascial Pain Work?

Myofascial pain, which is pain in the muscles and the surrounding fascia, can be quite stubborn. Fascia, a thin sheath of tissue that covers all muscles, organs, and other body structures, to keep a stable position in the body. Trigger points, or knots within the muscles, will pull on the fascia. This causes pain in that spot, or it will travel along the nerve and fascia path. Dry needling effectively targets these knots, offering relief through what can be likened to micro surgery. The process may cause the muscle to twitch, a good sign the treatment is breaking the up the trigger point, though it may result in temporary soreness.

Why do I get Trigger Points?

Active trigger points usually cause myofascial pain, and dry needling for myofascial pain works very well, with long lasting results. But if the sources of trigger points aren’t addressed, they will return eventually. Different sources can be:

• Unstable joints that cause the muscles in the area to tighten
• Poor nerve conduction to an area, due to bony impingement, or vertebral disc pathology
• Poor posture
• Poor work ergonomics
• Repetitive motion
• Stress and anxiety

Many of these underlying causes of trigger points can be addressed through acupuncture, or electro-acupuncture when there are also unstable joints and/or nerve issues. When there are more biomechanical issues, often physical therapy and rehabilitative exercise are necessary. In these cases, a trusted referral will be made.

While dry needling can significantly improve pain, lasting improvement often requires lifestyle adjustments to address the root causes of discomfort. This approach emphasizes the importance of patient involvement in their healing journey, seeing pain as a signal for change on any healing path.

Service Area

Ross Acupuncture Clinic proudly serves as a holistic health center for the communities of Oakland and Berkeley, California, while also reaching out to those living in the broader Bay Area. Our patients hail from diverse regions, including San Francisco, Alameda, Marin, and Contra Costa Counties, attesting to the widespread appeal of our specialized care.

Through the combination of traditional techniques with contemporary methods, we bring highly effective acupuncture treatments to a diverse population in Northern California, promoting health and wellness throughout our expansive service area.

To read more about dry needling, check out the blog posts here.