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Myofascial pain syndrome is very common in our society. The most effective treatments in the past have included ultrasound, chiropractic adjustments, trigger point injections and analgesic medications. Dry needling is a more recent addition to the myofascial physician's toolbox. While acupuncture is more concerned with increasing energy flow along the meridian system, dry needling focuses on reducing painful nodules or trigger points.
One characteristic of trigger points is their tendency to hold acidic chemicals. Muscles that harbor trigger points are usually found to be in a shortened, contracted state. When the needle is inserted correctly, it sparks a release of various noxious chemicals which are held within the painful nodule. Acetylcholine is one of the chemicals that is found in excess amounts in active trigger points. When dissipated through dry needling, significant symptomatic relief typically results. In addition to this chemical effect, dry needling is also believed to bring about neurological and bio-mechanical changes. Most patients report a deep "cramping" sensation during the procedure as the muscle softens and returns to its normal resting length.