Dry-needling, also known as Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), is an acupuncture treatment for chronic soft tissue pain caused by over sensitive nerves and over contracted muscles. Short muscles hurt and as a result cause other things to hurt. The goal of Dry-needling/IMS is to relax the shortened muscle and allow it to return to its normal state. The needle acts to "re-boot" the nerve-muscle mechanism, rather like turning a stalled computer off then on again. Once the nerve and muscle contraction/relaxation reflex is re-established other treatments such as Chiropractic adjustments, Active Release Techniques, massage therapy, prolotherapy and exercise therapy work better and hold longer.

Using Acupuncture Needles to Relax Muscles

During a treatment very fine acupuncture needles are inserted into the shortened muscle at the points where it is tight. The needles change
the electrical potential of the muscle and cause micro-injuries that stimulate blood circulation and healing. In normal muscles, these needles cause almost no pain; but when inserted into a shortened, hypersensitive muscle, it cramps... and then relaxes. It hurts a little at the time and maybe for an additional day, but it's a good hurt because of the long term benefits.

Long-term relief for many patients is expected after weekly treatments over a few weeks.

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