As part of your physical therapy in Las Cruce, NM, your provider may recommend a technique known as dry needling. This procedure is useful for pain relief associated with ongoing muscle and movement issues. If your physical therapist recommends dry needling, it will be in coordination with other techniques, such as targeted exercises.

Understanding Trigger Points

Dry needling treats myofascial trigger points, which are thin connective tissues that wrap around your muscles. A trigger point is an area inside your muscles that feels tender or inflamed. These areas may feel continually sore or only when you apply pressure to them. Unfortunately, the pain from trigger points can spread to other parts of your body. We call this referred pain here at Del Valle Physical Therapy & Hand Therapy.

The Process of Dry Needling

Dry needling involves your physical therapist placing several small, sharp, and thin needles into your skin at various trigger points. The needles do not contain any type of medication.

Injured or overworked muscles do not receive an adequate blood supply, which is why you experience discomfort. Your muscles are not receiving the nutrients and oxygen they need to perform their best. Pain occurs because your muscles become acidic, making the nerves more sensitive.

Placing a small needle in a trigger point helps to stimulate blood flow and relieve painful tension. Upon feeling a slight sensation from the needle prick, your brain releases endorphins that help to relieve pain. Some people feel mild discomfort when the provider inserts a needle, while others do not. Your muscle making an involuntary twitch is a good sign because it means the needle is in the correct location.

Please contact us with additional questions about dry needling in Las Cruces, NM, or to schedule an initial physical therapy evaluation.