What is dry needling?

 

IMS (intra-muscular stimulation) and/or dry needling is known to be the more western approach to needling compared to traditional acupuncture. It is the insertion of an acupuncture needle into a trigger point within the muscle, it is used to treat muscle tightness or muscle pain. Usually upon insertion the needle will elicit a muscle twitch response which causes the muscle to relax. It also creates an injury to the tissue increasing blood flow. The duration of treatment is much shorter then an acupuncture session since the needle is not left in for a period of time. It is used to often treat pain of a neuropathic origin and is great for improving athletic performance, aid in muscle recovery, increase muscle function, reduce muscle spasm, better movement, decreases muscle shortening, and there will be a decrease in pain.