According the American Physical Therapy Association "Dry needling is a technique physical therapists use (where allowed by state law) to treat myofascial pain. The technique uses a “dry” needle, one without medication or injection, inserted through the skin into areas of the muscle, known as trigger points.Other terms commonly used to describe dry needling, include trigger point dry needling, and intramuscular manual therapy.
A trigger point is is a taut band of skeletal muscle located within a larger muscle group that can be tender to the touch, and touching a trigger point may cause pain to other parts of the body hence radiating above or below the point. Some reasearch has shown that an increased concentration of seratonin is what contributes the excess tenderness and the needle helps to release that. Dry needling is not acupuncture, a practice based on traditional Chinese medicine and performed by acupuncturists. Dry needling is a part of modern Western medicine principles, and supported by research.
What Training Is required?
In Texas you must be a licensed physical therapist and have gone through a accredited certification course and passed a written and practical exam during that coursework.
Please ask if you are interested or would like more information on this!