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Related Experiment Videos

Dry needling - peripheral and central considerations.

Jan Dommerholt1

  • 1Bethesda Physiocare, Bethesda, MD, USA ; Myopain Seminars, Bethesda, MD, USA.

The Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy
|November 2, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Trigger point dry needling effectively addresses myofascial trigger points by reducing pain and improving function. This technique targets peripheral nociceptive input, potentially reversing central sensitization and enhancing physical therapy outcomes.

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A severity-based classification framework for dry needling unintended responses and adverse events: An expert consensus Delphi.

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Association Between Sternocleidomastoid and Upper Trapezius Muscle Trigger Points and Headaches: A Cross-Sectional Study.

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A randomized controlled trial investigating feasibility, acceptability and effects of dry needling for provoked vestibulodynia.

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Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
  • Pain Sciences

Background:

  • Myofascial trigger points are common in physical therapy.
  • Trigger points contribute to peripheral and central sensitization.
  • Dry needling commonly targets myofascial trigger points.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To contextualize trigger point dry needling within pain sciences.
  • To explain the mechanisms of dry needling on trigger points and sensitization.

Main Methods:

  • Review of pain science principles related to trigger points.
  • Analysis of dry needling's effects on nociceptive input and sensitization.
  • Inclusion of outcome studies on dry needling efficacy.

Main Results:

Keywords:
Dry needlingMyofascial painPainSensitizationTrigger points

Related Experiment Videos

  • Dry needling reduces local and referred pain.
  • It improves range of motion and muscle activation.
  • Dry needling alters the chemical environment of trigger points and can reverse central sensitization.

    • Conclusions:

    • Trigger point dry needling is supported by pain science.
    • Understanding trigger point mechanisms is crucial for application.
    • Dry needling offers benefits beyond traditional acupuncture.