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    Trigger Point Dry Needling

Named Best Physical Therapy Practice by Arlington Magazine's readers in 2021

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is an invasive procedure in which a filiform needle is inserted into the skin and muscle directly at a myofascial trigger point. A myofascial trigger point consists of multiple contraction taut bands or knots, which are related to the production and maintenance of the pain cycle. Trigger points can refer pain to a specific area related to that muscle.

Proper dry needling of a myofascial trigger point will elicit a local twitch response (LTR), which is an involuntary spinal cord reflex in which the muscle fibers in the taut band of muscle contract. The LTR indicates the proper placement of the needle in a trigger point. The twitch response has a biochemical characteristic of which likely affects the reaction of the muscle, symptoms and response of the tissue. Along with the health of the tissue, the expertise of the practitioner can also attribute to the variation of discomfort and outcome. Reproduction of the patient’s pain can be a helpful diagnostic tool for the practitioner. Patients generally describe responses to LTR anywhere from deep ache, cramping to pain. Dry needling is not limited to just muscle tissue, dry needling can be used on ligaments and tendon to decrease pain and expedite healing.

Physical therapist are trained and certified to perform trigger point dry needling in the state of Virginia. Dr. Gordon, Mr. Han, Dr Yon, Dr. Freeman, and Dr. Ratino are all trained and certified.  

In the state of Virginia, a physician prescription is required to perform dry needling

Please contact our office for dry needling information and cost.  

What Conditions are treatable through trigger point dry needling?

Acute and Chronic Overuse injuries: Muscle tear, tennis/golfer’s elbow, Shoudler pain in the overhead athlete, impingement syndromes, hip and knee pain, Patellar femoral pain syndrome, IT band syndrome, Achilles tendonopathy, and plantar fasciitis. Spinal Conditions: Sciatica, cervico-genic headaches, chronic low back pain, piriformis syndrome, sacroiliac dysfunction

Benefits of treatment include:

• Decreased pain and irritation
• Increased mobility and flexibility
• Expedited recovery from injury and sports related conditions
• Improved function

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