Physical therapists are increasingly recommending trigger point dry needling to treat shoulder pain. Not to be confused with the traditional Chinese medicinal art of acupuncture, dry needle treatment has been rigorously studied for its effectiveness in skeletal muscle pain relief.
Not every type of shoulder pain will respond to dry needling techniques. But for some shoulder-related problems, the specialized treatment can bring pain relief and increased range of motion.
What is Dry Needling?
As the name suggests, a dry needle is one in which there is no fluid in the body of the injection tool. The needle itself provides the medicinal benefit. Unlike acupuncture, dry needle treatment goes directly to the trigger point the physical therapist has identified as in need of treatment. In dry needling, long filament needles are used — in contrast to the short needles of acupuncture.
The trigger point is a tight area located within a larger group of area muscles that cause pain in other parts of the body. When the filament needle penetrates the knotted muscle, the muscle convulses slightly, allowing for a release of pressure. This is known as local twitch response (LTR). The physical therapist can usually identify the exact myofascial trigger point by noting knots within the taut band of muscle. She’ll also look at the areas in which you report tenderness.
How Can the Technique Help Shoulder Pain?
There are three key muscles usually connected with shoulder pain and stiffness: the anterior deltoid, infraspinatus, and subscapularis muscles. Targeting these muscles through dry needling helps in several ways. First, it relieves the pain in the affected muscle through LTR action. Next, it addresses the imbalance caused when sore muscles can’t bear their usual burdens, which puts strain on opposite or adjoining muscles and joints.
In addition, dry needling addresses the lack of nutrients that “starved” muscles suffer when inflammation and scar tissue buildup prevents access. The insertion of the dry filament needle creates an anti-inflammatory response. This technique also allows for healing proteins to return to the previously swollen area, as blood circulation improves.
Will All Shoulder Pain Respond to Dry Needling?
Not all types of shoulder pain come from compressed muscles. Bursitis or slipped discs, for example, affect joints or bones, and will probably require different treatments. But when muscle imbalance and/or myofascial pain syndrome is suspected, dry needle treatment may be ideal.
Your physical therapist might suggest dry needling if you are exhibiting specific symptoms. Myofascial pain syndrome often manifests as actual knots that you can feel, which causes a deep-reaching ache. The discomfort can interfere with your ability to sleep, and doesn’t go away, or gets worse. When shoulder pain results in muscle imbalance, one shoulder may begin to exhibit a habitual “shrug.” The affected muscles can also feel weaker when you try to move them.
Don’t Hesitate to Ask Us About Dry Needling Techniques
A consultation can help establish whether dry needle treatment is likely to help your type of shoulder pain. If not, there are other therapies which decrease pain and improve range of motion. Contact STI Rehab to learn more.
