26/11/2025
Physiological Mechanisms of Dry Needling
1. Trigger Point Deactivation
Dry needling targets myofascial trigger points—tight, hyper-irritable bands of muscle. Inserting the needle disrupts abnormal electrical activity at the motor end plate, helping the muscle relax.
2. Local Twitch Response (LTR)
When the needle hits a trigger point, the muscle may twitch. This involuntary contraction is associated with:
A rapid drop in muscle tension
Reduced spontaneous electrical activity
Relaxation of the contracted muscle fibers
3. Mechanical Disruption of Muscle Fibers
The needle mechanically disrupts shortened, knotted muscle fibers and fascia, allowing them to return to a normal resting length.
4. Improved Blood Flow
Needling increases local microcirculation. This:
Flushes out inflammatory chemicals (like substance P and bradykinin)
Delivers oxygen and nutrients
Enhances tissue healing
5. Neurological Effects
Dry needling modulates the nervous system at multiple levels:
Peripheral: Reduces nociceptive (pain) signaling from irritated tissues
Spinal cord: Alters pain processing and decreases central sensitization
Brain: Activates descending inhibitory pathways that reduce pain perception
6. Chemical Changes in the Tissue
After needling, biochemical markers around the trigger point change. Levels of pain-related chemicals decrease, while endorphins and other anti-nociceptive substances increase.
7. Resetting Motor Patterns
By reducing pain and muscle guarding, dry needling can help restore normal muscle activation and movement patterns.
