Functional Dry Needling

Overview

Dry needling is a skilled intervention that uses a thin filiform needle to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points, muscular, and connective tissues to manage musculoskeletal pain and movement impairments. This technique can be effective in treating dysfunctions in skeletal muscle, fascia, and connective tissue; as well as diminish persistent peripheral pain sensations and reduce/restore structural and functional impairments to improve activity and participation.

Physiology of Dry Needling:

The physiological basis for dry needling is dependent upon the tissue that is targeted, whether for treatment of myofascial trigger points, excessive muscle tension, scar tissue, fascia, or connective tissues.

Trigger points are hyperirritable spots within bands of contracted muscle fibers that result in local and/or referred pain upon stimulation. Treatment of both deep and superficial trigger points, with use of dry needling, can result in reduced pain, improved range of motion, and decreased irritability in both the location of the trigger point and at the site of its referred pain.

Applications of Dry Needling

Dry needling is incorporated into treatment plans when trigger points are present resulting in pain, musculoskeletal dysfunction, and deficits in normal daily function. This technique can be effective in treating skeletal muscle, fascia, and connective tissue; as well as diminish persistent peripheral pain sensations and reduce/restore structural and functional impairments to improve activity and participation. Its use can be appropriate for treatment of common diagnosis such as: tendonitis, low back pain/spinal dysfunction, radiculopathies, soft tissue injuries, and joint dysfunction.

Certification

At Excel Rehabilitation all providers that perform Functional Dry Needling are certified through a company recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association, Kinetacore.