Dry needling or Intramuscular stimulation (IMS) is an extremely effective technique used by physiotherapists for releasing hypertonic muscles, which contain trigger points. The treatment involves dry needling of the trigger points in the hypertonic muscles without injecting any substance.
Penetration of a normal muscle is painless; however, a shortened, supersensitive muscle will ‘grasp’ the needle in what can be described as a cramping sensation. The result is a stimulation of the stretch receptor in the muscle (muscle spindle), producing a reflex relaxation or lengthening response.
Dry needling of the ‘shortened’ muscle band causes an immediate relaxation, which is palpable. A sense of release and increased range of motion is often experienced by the patient.
Physiotherapists at BJC Health Chatswood and Parramatta are certified to use this technique and integrate dry needling into their treatment plans. Give us a call or email us about making an appointment..
