Trigger-point dry needling is a procedure where a fine needle is inserted into the skin and muscle.

It targets myofascial trigger points, hyperirritable spots palpable as nodules in the taut bands of skeletal muscles caused by injury, overuse or poor movement patterns.

Trigger points can disrupt muscle function, restrict the range of motion of a joint or cause pain and tenderness.

When dry needling is applied to an affected muscle or trigger point, it can decrease muscle tightness, increase blood flow and reduce pain. Patients often report immediate relief after treatment or after a day or a couple of days after the treatment.

The needles remain in the muscle for a short period of time, between 1 minute and 20 minute, during treatment, depending on the treatment location, number of needles used and treatment goals.

Dry needling is a technique used for treating many musculoskeletal conditions, including back and hip pain, shoulder and neck pain, headaches, muscle strains, rotator cuff pain, iliotibial band syndrome, Achilles tendinitis, tennis elbow and temporomandibular pain, also called TMJ and others.

Dry needling is performed by a licensed physical therapist, trained in the procedure.

Most people report minor or no discomfort during treatment.