Trigger Point Dry Needling (TDN) is a treatment for muscular tightness and spasm that commonly follows injuries and often accompanies the degenerative processes. This muscular tightness and spasm typically compresses and irritates the nerves exiting the spine. When the nerves are irritated, they cause a protective spasm of all the muscles to which they are connected. This may cause peripheral diagnoses, such as carpel tunnel, tendonitis, osteoarthritis, decreased mobility, and chronic pain.
Trigger points are irritable, hard “knots” within a muscle that may cause pain over a large area, leading to difficulty performing everyday tasks. When a person has painful muscles and trigger points, it is sometimes called myofascial pain syndrome. Common locations for these problems are the arm and neck. Dry needling may release the tight muscle bands associated with trigger points and lead to decreased pain and improved function.
Small, thin needles are inserted in the muscles at the trigger points causing the pain referral. The muscles then contract and release, improving Range of motion of the muscles and decreasing pain and spasm symptoms.
Am I a candidate for dry needling?
Those who may benefit from dry needling include:
- Patients with chronic pain
- Athletes with a recurring injury
- Elderly population with back and hip pain
- Anyone with pain and muscle dysfunction in any area, including feet, hands, and jaw (TMJ)
- Anyone with headaches or neck pain due to stress
Dry Needling in Maurepas, Denham Springs, and Baton Rouge, LA
Want to know more? At Linx Physical Therapy & Wellness Center, all of our therapists are certified dry needling practitioners, and we would be happy to speak with you about this unique treatment for muscle and nerve pain. For an appointment, call us today at (225) 665-8600 or (225) 698-1144. We offer trigger point dry needling at each of our locations in Maurepas, Denham Springs, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
