Trigger Point Dry Needling

[Wahine]

Trigger point dry needling can be painful depending on how it's done and what the goals are. I'm usually treating athletes, so the technique is perhaps a bit more aggressive. It is definitely very different from acupuncture. The sensation during the technique can be achy, but it usually feels like an "ah there" kind of ache. And you can have a feeling afterward of the muscle groups treated having a post-exercise type of achiness for a day or two.

Acupuncture in generally pretty painless, but may not get the release of tissue that Mimi is looking for.

Mimi, is there any chance that Don could go to a PT to help with getting him on a light stretching and posture program? That might be the place to start. Massaging the trigger points is a really good thing too, especially if he can move around a bit afterward and stretch into the limits of his range of motion.

[Biciclista]

i will talk to him about this.

Mimi, is there any chance that Don could go to a PT to help with getting him on a light stretching and posture program? That might be the place to start. Massaging the trigger points is a really good thing too, especially if he can move around a bit afterward and stretch into the limits of his range of motion.

I noticed an improvement in 24 hours after i worked the pressure points along his mid spine but am less confident around the shoulders... and he doesn't have a lot of confidence in me either. We had a guy who did this kind of stuff (Hellerwork) but he continued to hurt Donald so much that he won't go back. For me, the pain was welcome because of the results, but for D, it was a much less positive experience.

[Artista]

I had TDN in November to help release trigger points that developed in my peroneal after I broke my ankle. It was done by my physical therapist as part of a bigger treatment plan. I think the TDN was effective and I would have it done again.

With that being said, I'm not certain that the TDN was any more effective than the trigger point massage treatments. I can't compare apples to apples because my ankle continued to improve in between all of the treatments. Both types of treatments were uncomfortable while they were being applied but it seems like the therapist was able to perform TDN faster than he was able to complete the massage. That meant that I experienced discomfort for less time with TDN than with the massages.

It seems that our bodies respond best to treatment variety rather than being subjected to exactly the same treatments for weeks on end. I'm a fan of well trained and competent physical therapists being able to offer many types of treatments and keeping TDN in their arsenals.

[Wahine]

Thanks for that feedback Artista. I appreciate it. I agree that changing things up frequently is a good approach. TDN is just another tool in the toolbox and certainly isn't the end-all be-all. I probably still rely on my hands much more than anything else.

Mimi, I wish you were closer. I'd pop by and teach you a few things.

C.

[Biciclista]

I wish you were closer too. I'd hire you.

[Artista]

Wahine, just to clarify - my post was meant to encourage you to fight for your privilege to continue to do TDN. Just as TDN isn't the be-all end-all, neither is massage therapy. Competent physical therapists should be able to draw upon many therapy techniques, including TDN, to best help their patients.

In my case in particular,TDN was a helpful part of my overall therapy. I'm pretty sure that I would be at least another couple of weeks behind in my rehab if not for TDN.

[goldfinch]

Frankly, I'd trust a PT more than an acupuncturist to use this technique. It isn't acupuncture anyway, not even close.

[Artista]

Frankly, I'd trust a PT more than an acupuncturist to use this technique. It isn't acupuncture anyway, not even close.

I agree with goldfinch. I wouldn't want an acupuncturist to dry needle my trigger points for the same reasons that I wouldn't want my physical therapist to do acupuncture on me.

[Wahine]

Wahine, just to clarify - my post was meant to encourage you to fight for your privilege to continue to do TDN. Just as TDN isn't the be-all end-all, neither is massage therapy. Competent physical therapists should be able to draw upon many therapy techniques, including TDN, to best help their patients.

In my case in particular,TDN was a helpful part of my overall therapy. I'm pretty sure that I would be at least another couple of weeks behind in my rehab if not for TDN.

Thank you very much Artista, I took it as such.