Myotherapy: dry needling and electrostimulation (electro-dry needling)

What is it?

Dry needling, sometimes referred to as trigger point needling, involves inserting acupuncture-style needles into muscle trigger points to provoke a ‘twitch’ response. This response helps release or relax the trigger points. The term “dry” refers to the fact that the needles are used without any medication.

The primary goal of dry needling is to restore normal muscle function. It is typically combined with a targeted exercise program, or other manual techniques, designed to address biomechanical imbalances that contribute to muscle dysfunction and the formation of myofascial trigger points.

This approach takes aim at the root cause of the muscle dysfunction rather than simply addressing the symptoms, such as pain.

What is a trigger point?

A trigger point is the painful point can be felt as a lump, band or ‘knot’ in the muscle, and a twitch response can be elicited on stimulation of the trigger point. Palpation of the trigger point reproduces pain, and the pain radiates in a distribution typical of the specific muscle containing the trigger point or may ‘shoot’ and refer to a different area.

 

How does it work?

Needle penetration causes localised tissue damage, which triggers an inflammatory process. This stimulates release of small inflammatory chemicals in the body called histamine and bradykinin which results dilation of the blood vessels. This means that blood flow to the area is increased allowing for nutrient delivery and removal of waste products that the body makes after injury.

The needle’s stimulation also targets the tight muscle fibres (trigger points) promoting their relaxation.

Additionally, dry needling reduces pain through both local and central nervous system responses. The sensation from the needle insertion triggers the brain to release endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers, providing short-term pain relief.

 

Electro-stimulation using dry needles:

Electrostimulation with dry needles is a therapeutic technique that combines dry needling and electrical stimulation.

After the dry needles are inserted, our Shepparton Myotherapist then can apply an electrical current through the needles to stimulate the tissues.

• The electrostimulation enhances the effects of the dry needling, speeding up tissue healing and regeneration. The electrical pulses encourage cells to migrate to the targeted area, boosting cellular activity and promoting faster recovery, ultimately supporting the restoration of balance and healing in the tissue.
• Electrostimulation can also be a great addition to your rehabilitation program, by activating or ‘waking up’ muscles that are weak.
• The electrical impulses can also help block pain signals from reaching the brain, reducing the sensation of discomfort.

What conditions can it help?

• Muscle pain or tightness
• Chronic pain
• Neck pain
• Low back pain
• Muscle strains
• Osteoarthritis
• Tendinopathies

Dry needling and electro-stimulation can be used alongside massage, cupping and other myotherapy techniques.

Click here to read more about our Shepp Myo!

 

– Jake Curtis
Myotherapist Shepparton
GV Sportscare