Trigger Point Dry Needling
(TPDN)
Trigger Point Dry Needling (TPDN) is an advanced technique used by specially trained Physical Therapists to treat acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain and impairments.
Unlike traditional acupuncture—which is based on Eastern medical philosophy—TPDN is rooted in modern Western medicine and anatomical knowledge. We use a slender, sterile, single-use needle to target trigger points (tight, knotted bands of muscle tissue) to elicit a local structural change in the affected tissue.
How TPDN Helps You
The goal of TPDN is to restore proper function and achieve pain-free mobility. Research demonstrates that TPDN provides comparable pain relief to that of traditional trigger point injections, while also initiating chemical, mechanical, and neurophysiological healing within the muscle.
This treatment is highly effective at:
- Reducing muscle pain and stiffness.
- Improving blood flow to injured areas.
- Allowing for precise, pain-free movement of injured structures.
What to Expect
If you are considering dry needling, your certified physical therapist will first conduct a thorough initial examination and assessment to ensure TPDN is the appropriate and most effective intervention for your condition. If dry needling is indicated, it will always be part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
We supplement TPDN with essential components such as:
- Manual therapy techniques
- Therapeutic exercise
- Neuromuscular re-education
- This comprehensive approach helps you not only find relief but also reach your long-term physical therapy goals.
TPDN Research & Effectiveness
The research behind the validity of TPDN showed that not only did patients report similar pain relief as with Trigger Point Injections; there was also evidence of chemical, mechanical, and neurophysiological healing. The goal of TPDN is to allow precise movement of an injured or affected structure, allowing the patient to return to pain-free mobility.
Initial TPDN Evaluation
Physical Therapists trained in TPDN begin with an initial and thorough examination and assessment to determine if this will be an effective treatment method. If determined to be an appropriate intervention, TPDN will be supplemented with different manual techniques, therapeutic exercise, and neuromuscular re-education to help our patients achieve their physical therapy goals.