Demonstration of dry needling of the medial gastrocnemius (inside calf muscle)
Dry needling is a treatment method performed by trained health professionals (often physiotherapists) that involve a thin monofilament needle inserted into the skin. The needles used are stainless steel, very fine needles that don’t inject any fluid, hence why it’s described as “dry” needling. Trigger points, commonly known as muscle knots are often targeted during dry needling, however in some cases therapists may use dry needling for pain modulation.
How does it work?
The thin needle penetrates the skin and causes disruption of the trigger points, affecting the muscle and nerves. When dry needling is applied it can decrease the tightness of trigger points, increase blood flow and reduce pain. The needling is typically inserted in a “piston” or “pecking” like manner, muscles may sometimes twitch indicating trigger point area, however twitching varies between muscle and patient, and is not always necessary while treating the muscle.
Related Dry needling video: • Forearm Dry needling |...
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