Dry Needling and Accupuncture

A trigger point is defined as “a hyperirritable spot in skeletal muscle that is associated with a hypersensitive palpable nodule in a taut band. The spot is tender when pressed, can give rise to characteristic referred pain, motor dysfunction and autonomic phenomenon” (Travell et al 1983). What does this all mean to you? The tender point in your affected muscle; often associated with muscle tightness, dull aching pain, or weakness, may be due to a trigger point. So how does dry needling/acupuncture help?

Short term effects:

Increased blood flow to the affected area to flood the muscle with nutrients

Controls the immune response to reduce inflammation

Flushes out harmful chemicals from the area to assist with healing

Reduces pain signals to and from the brain, which lessens your perception of pain

Increases serotonin levels (“good endorphins”) which promotes muscle relaxation

Long term effects:

Pain stops muscles from working correctly and limits movement, so by reducing your pain you are able to normalise your movement

Evidence suggests acupuncture is effective with minimal side effects and can be used in conjunction with other techniques, such as stretching, ultrasound and manual therapy.

Speak to the physiotherapists at MTM Physiotherapy today to see if acupuncture can assist your recovery.

Renee Fish and Sophie Naglan