Myofascial Dry Needling Technique
Myofascial Dry Needling is a therapeutic technique that targets the location of myofascial trigger points (MTrP’s) within the muscle.
A myofascial trigger point (MTrP) is a ‘hyper-irritable position in skeletal muscle or associated fascia that is associated with a hypersensitive palpable nodule in a taut band. The spot is tender on compression and can give rise to characteristic referred pain, referred tenderness, motor dysfunction and autonomic phenomena.” (Simons, Travell, and Simons)
A delicate, sterile needle penetrates through the muscle fascia into the trigger point where it is deactivated.
This technique is applied during the course of a Myotherapy / Remedial massage treatment.
Hydration is a key to a painless experience of dry needling.
Post treatment outcomes include significant reduction of muscle tension with restorative & corrective functions enjoyed.
Why deactivate a Myofascial ‘TRIGGER POINT’
Active MTrP’s are painful. They impact the biological function of the muscle contraction by promoting a cascade of chemical activations that render the muscle with fatigue, toxin accumulation and increased immune responses. This leads to hyperalgesia or increased sensitivity to pain.
MTrP diagnosis plays an important role in the Pain Syndrome. Myofascial Pain is arguably one of the more common clinical findings in patients presenting with musculoskeletal pain. However, management of MTrP’s is under practiced amongst many manual medicine professionals.
MTrP’s present as different types of PAIN including local pain or tenderness, Paresthesiae or nerve pain, referred pain and pain associated with restricted joint mobility. MTrP Pain can be, and often is misinterpreted or differentially diagnosed as another condition. Migraine Headaches, Facial Neuralgia, Chronic Pain, Earaches, Adhesive Capsulitis, Epicondylitis, Tendonitis and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome can all be mistaken for MTrP Pain syndrome.
MTrP’s are abundant within the body and are described in a variety of forms including active, latent, associated, primary, key, satellite, referred, passive, central and attachment.
What Causes Active MTrP’s?
- Musculoskeletal Injury
- General and Emotional Stress
- Postural Dysfunction
- Repetitive Strain Injury
- Excessive Lifting and muscular strain
- Carrying heavy objects
- Skeletal Injury such as Disc or Vertebral Damage
- Postural Dysfunction and Poor Skeletal Alignment
- Prolonged Postural positioning
- Prolonged shortening of muscles
- Poor Dietary choices
- Excessive coffee consumption
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Insufficient Sleep
- Incorrect use of footwear
Treatment promotes:
- Trigger Point restoration
- Pain reduction
- Pain elimination
- Circulation of Cardiovascular System
- Relaxation
- Increased Range of Movement of limbs and joints
- Muscle length recovery
- Postural Alignment restoration