Dry needling is a technique used to break up trigger points in the muscles, thus relieving chronic muscle pain. During dry needling, a sterile single-use fine needle is carefully inserted into the trigger point(s). Here at La Grange Chiropractic in La Grange, KY, we are proud to provide this option to our patients and encourage you to learn more about it.
What is a Trigger Point?
A trigger point is a place in a muscle where the muscle fibers have contracted and are unable to release. The contracted muscle fibers can block the flow of blood through capillaries and compress nerve fibers. They can also compromise the function of the entire muscle, leading to chronic pain and stiffness of that muscle. Trigger points can often be palpated as hard, painful nodules in muscles. Individuals can develop just one trigger point or have multiple trigger points in different muscles.
What Causes Trigger Points?
Many trigger points are caused by an acute injury to the muscle. These injuries can seem very minor at the time, such as turning the head quickly or stumbling, but they induce a few muscle fibers to contract to protect the muscle, and if these fibers cannot relax, a trigger point could form. In addition, holding the same position (standing, sitting) for a prolonged period of time or engaging in repetitive motions can also induce a similar injury. In some cases, trigger points can form in response to infections, nutritional deficiencies, metabolic disorders, and even stress. Trigger points are very common in the general population.
How Does Dry Needling Help?
The intent of dry needling is to break up the trigger point. Simple stimulation by the inserted needle may induce some of the contracted muscle fibers to relax and release the trigger point.
How Many Sessions are Necessary?
Some patients only require one treatment and experience significant relief soon after treatment. Most, however, need more treatments given at weekly intervals to experience longer-lasting relief. It may be useful to combine dry needling with physical therapy; the dry needling to release the trigger points and the physical therapy to assist in ensuring new trigger points are not formed in the future.
Contact Us Today for More Information
If you experience chronic muscle pain, find out if dry needling is right for you by making an appointment with La Grange Chiropractic. At our convenient location in La Grange, KY, our caring and devoted team of professionals will be pleased to explain this treatment in greater detail and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!