Dry Needling and Neuromodulation

  • Trigger Point Dry Needling

    Trigger Point Dry Needling (TPDN) is a technique that uses a thin, unmedicated, monofilament needle, placed into a trigger point within a muscle. A trigger point (“knot”) is an area of constricted muscle fibers that can cause pain, decreased mobility, and impaired function. Placing the needle in the trigger point causes a “twitch response” that releases tension, improves blood flow, and decreases pain.

  • Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)

    IMS is a specialized form of dry needling that utilizes the power of electrical stimulation to alleviate chronically tight and sore muscles. It can also be used to facilitate dormant and underworking muscles. Muscles that are chronically tight can put unwanted pressure on surrounding nerves, which in turn can cause weakness. IMS helps break this cycle, and facilitates the muscles in functioning correctly again.

  • Neuromodulation

    Dry needling for neuromodulation utilizes needles placed near peripheral nerves and electrical stimulation to improve the health and activity of those nerves. This can help relieve pain in people struggling with nerve compressions (such as sciatica or pudendal neuralgia). This can also improve bowel and bladder conditions by impacting the autonomic nervous system that controls their organ function.

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What is the difference between Dry Needling and Acupuncture?

Dry needling and acupuncture may look similar on the outside, but they are vastly different techniques. Both dry needling and acupuncture utilize thin monofilament needles. Acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine frameworks, often having the goal of restoring proper flow of energy (Qi) throughout the body. During an acupuncture session, the provider will insert needles into points along meridians, or path along which qi flows.
Conversely, dry needling has a musculoskeletal or a neuromuscular approach. A provider will place needles in muscles that are tight, in pain, or not functioning in order to relieve pain and tension. Needles can also be placed along nerves for neuromodulation (see above) with the goal of improving nerve health and firing.
Dry needling is used by Physical Therapists as part of larger plan of care, often including other treatment tools like exercise and manual therapy. Acupuncturists also utilize needles as part of a larger more complex plan, which may include other Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments, such as herbs, cupping, and gua sha.