When your muscles feel tight or sore, it can be hard to move around or enjoy daily life. That tight, achy feeling might be caused by a myofascial trigger point. At Bethesda Physiocare, we understand how painful and frustrating this can be. One helpful treatment we offer is dry needling, which can bring fast and lasting relief. If you’re dealing with pain and want to feel better, give us a call today at (301) 656-5613 to schedule an appointment.
What Are Trigger Points?
Trigger points are small, tight areas in your muscles that feel like knots. You may notice them as sore spots that hurt when you press on them. They often form after injuries, poor posture, or overuse of a muscle. Sometimes, a trigger point can cause pain in a different area than where the knot is. This is called referred pain.
For example, a trigger point in your shoulder could make your neck or arm hurt. This can be confusing and make it harder to find the real problem. That’s where physical therapy and dry needling can really help.
Why Do Trigger Points Hurt?
Muscles are supposed to relax after they contract (or tighten). But when a trigger point forms, that small part of the muscle stays tight. This tightness reduces blood flow, which keeps your muscle from getting the oxygen and nutrients it needs. The result? Pain, stiffness, and sometimes muscle weakness.
If not treated, trigger points can affect how you move and feel. They may lead to other problems like headaches, pelvic pain, TMD, back pain, or joint pain. Thankfully, treatments like dry needling can target these trigger points and help release the tight muscles.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a safe and effective treatment used by trained physical therapists to relieve muscle pain and tightness. It involves inserting very thin, sterile needles directly into the trigger points in your muscles. These needles don’t inject any medicine — that’s why it’s called “dry” needling.
When the needle is inserted into a trigger point, it can cause the muscle to twitch and then relax. This reaction helps reduce pain and improve movement. Dry needling can also improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and help your body heal naturally.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
Dry needling works by targeting the problem area — the trigger point — directly. When the needle goes into the tight knot in the muscle, it helps release that tension. This allows the muscle to return to its normal length and function.
After dry needling, many patients feel looser, more comfortable, and better able to move. Some people feel relief after just one session, while others may need a few treatments for the best results. Your physical therapist at Bethesda Physiocare will work with you to make a plan that fits your needs.
What Conditions Can Dry Needling Help With?
Dry needling is used to treat many types of pain and muscle problems. Some of the common conditions it can help with include:
- Neck and back pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Shoulder pain
- Tennis elbow
- Hip and glute pain
- Knee pain
- Muscle strains
- Sports injuries
- TMJ (jaw pain)
If you have ongoing muscle pain or tightness that won’t go away, dry needling might be the answer.
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session
When you come in for a dry needling treatment at Bethesda Physiocare, your therapist will first talk with you about your pain and check your muscles. Then, they will insert thin needles into the trigger points. You may feel a quick twitch or mild ache — this is a good sign that the muscle is responding.
After the treatment, you might feel a little sore, like you just worked out. This soreness usually goes away in a day or two. Drinking water, gentle movement, and rest can help you feel better faster.
Benefits of Dry Needling
There are many reasons why dry needling is a great option for treating muscle pain. Some of the benefits include:
- Fast relief from muscle tightness
- Reduced pain and inflammation
- Better range of motion
- Improved blood flow
- Faster recovery from injuries
- Fewer headaches and less muscle tension
At Bethesda Physiocare, we use dry needling along with exercises, stretching, and hands-on therapy to help you get the best results.
Is Dry Needling Right for You?
If you’ve been living with pain and nothing seems to help, it may be time to try dry needling. It’s a simple, science-backed treatment that can make a big difference in how you feel. Whether you’re dealing with an old injury, stress-related tension, or pain from daily life, dry needling could be the key to feeling better.
Our team at Bethesda Physiocare is trained, experienced, and ready to help you feel your best. We take the time to understand your pain and create a plan that’s just right for you.
Dry Needling in Bethesda
At Bethesda Physiocare, our physical therapists use dry needling and other effective treatments to help you move better and feel better. Don’t let pain slow you down — give us a call today at (301) 656-5613 to learn more or to schedule your first appointment. We’re here to help you get back to living pain-free!
