Dry needling is a procedure where a fine needle is inserted into the skin and muscle tissue to treat myofascial pain.

Muscles sometimes develop knotted areas called trigger points which can be painful and sore to touch, and are often the cause of referred pain (or pain that affects another part of the body).

These highly irritable areas in the muscle can be found as a palpable nodule in a taut band. The needle is aimed at these myofascial trigger point locations following evidence based guidelines, recommended point locations, and dosages for the treatment of specific conditions. Dry needling is used with the goal of addressing neuromuscular conditions, relieving pain, and improve range of motion.

A patient may experience different sensations when being needled. Muscle soreness, aching and muscle twitch when a needle is inserted is considered to be a good sign. The needles may be placed deeply or superficially, for shorter or longer periods of time, depending on what type of pain is being treated. Shorter periods of time would mean the needle would stay in the muscle for a few seconds, while longer periods could mean 10-15mins. Evidence to date supports that dry needling improves pain control, reduces muscle tension, and normalizes dysfunction of the motor end plates, the sites at which nerve impulses are transmitted to muscles. This can help speed up the patients return to active rehabilitation. We are proud to offer dry needling in our Riverview location with our Physiotherapist Josiane Bourque.