Dry needling is a manual therapy technique where doctors (or physical therapists) address the patient’s myofascial pain. The process uses a “dry” needle, or one that does not expose the patient to medications, or other substances through an injection. The needle resembles that of one used by acupuncturists throughout the world. During the treatment, the dry needle is inserted through the skin into areas of the involved muscle, frequently referred to as the trigger point. Dry needling is also known as trigger point dry needling, and intramuscular manual therapy.

From a philosophical point of view, dry needling is not acupuncture, though both resemble each other in application. As a general rule, acupuncture is often associated with chi, or life-force, and the circulation of chi throughout the various acupuncture meridians. Dry needling does not emphasize the use of needles placed into the skin in order to affect areas further down the meridian, rather the therapeutic effect of dry needling comes from addressing the active trigger point of the involved area.

Traditional Chinese acupuncture originally introduced a concept similar to dry needling through the use of “Ah Shi” points. From a traditional Chinese acupuncture standpoint, Ah Shi points are used to treat localized pain patterns, rather than following the meridian based acupuncture system. Dry needling follows a similar model, emphasizing the localized approach to pain relief. This therapy is part of Western medicine’s approach to needle based, non-injection pain reduction.

Research indicates that patients could benefit from a variety of muscle and pain ailments, including:

• Reducing muscle tension
• Decreasing trigger points
• Accelerating rehabilitation healing time
• Pain control

Needle therapy is an effective way to help with both acute and chronic pain, regardless where the pain is. Dr. Reece Hayden of Synergy Chiropractic of Houston is certified in both needling techniques. Through the use of his knowledge of both practices, he is able to help patients to achieve the pain relief they are looking for through various applications.  Dry needling, in association with specific chiropractic care is a therapy used to reduce pain, and accelerate the rehabilitation process for our patients.