Trigger Point Dry Needling in Ellicott City, MD

Unlike traditional injections (which use medication), no liquid or substance is injected into the body. The therapeutic effect comes solely from the needle's physical manipulation of the tissue.

When the needle penetrates the knot, it often elicits a "local twitch response"—an involuntary muscle contraction. This indicates that the trigger point has been properly stimulated and is beginning to release.

The tiny microlesions created by the needle stimulate a natural healing response, encouraging increased blood flow and helping the nervous system reset the muscle's resting tone.

At Prime Physical Therapy, dry needling is typically used as part of a comprehensive physical therapy plan to address:

• Neck, back, and shoulder pain

• Chronic muscle tightness and spasms

• Tension headaches and migraines

• Sciatica and radiating nerve pain

• Tendinopathies (such as tennis elbow or plantar fasciitis)

While the needles look the same, dry needling and acupuncture are entirely distinct.

Dry needling is based on modern Western medicine principles, neuroanatomy, and the biomechanical treatment of muscular trigger points.

Acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and focuses on balancing the flow of energy along the body's meridians to promote overall health.