We Accept And File Health Insurance for PPO Policies. Click Here for Free, No Obligation Verification of Your Health Insurance Benefits Before Your First Visit.

Review the latest information on our safety procedures at our COVID-19 Resource Center
  • 773-878-7330

  • SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT
  • Contact
  • |
  • Blog
  • |
  • Our Team
  • |
  • About Us
  • Chiropractic
    ABOUT CHIROPRACTIC
    • Chiropractic Care for Pain Management
    • Chiropractic During Pregnancy
    • Chiropractor for Kids
    • Chiropractic for Sports and Fitness
    CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES
    • Spinal Adjustments
    • Extremity Adjustments
    • Spinal Decompression Therapy
    • Radial Shockwave Therapy
    • Selective Functional Movement Assessment
    ABOUT CUSTOM FOOT ORTHOTICS
    • Orthotics for Sports Performance
    • Orthotics During Pregnancy
    • Orthotics for Children
  • Physical Therapy
    Our Physical Therapy Program
    Personal Training
    Ultrasound
    Electrotherapy
    Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facillitation
    Active Release Technique
  • Acupuncture
    What is Acupuncture
    Traditional Chinese Medicine
    Acupressure
    Eastern Nutrition
    Trigger Point Dry Needling
    Cupping
    Gua Sha
    Moxibustion Therapy
    ElectroAcupuncture
    Auricular Acupuncture
    Five Element Acupuncture
  • Massage Therapy
    Swedish Massage
    Deep Tissue Massage
    Sports Massage
    Lymphatic Drainage
    Prenatal Massage
    Myofascial Release
    Trigger Point Massage
  • Functional Medicine
    How Can Functional Medicine Help Me?
    Blood Tests
    Food Sensitivity Testing
    Functional Medicine Detox Program
  • CONDITIONS
    PHYSICAL MEDICINE
    • HEADACHE
    • BACK PAIN
    • NECK PAIN
    • WHIPLASH
    • HERNIATION DISC
    • SPINAL STENOSIS
    • SCIATICA
    • DISC INJURY
    • PINCHED NERVE
    • NUMBNESS AND TINGLING
    • NERVE ENTRAPMENT
    • SPRAINS / STRAINS
    • JOINT PAIN
    • ARTHRITIS
    • BURSITIS
    • TENDONITIS
    PHYSICAL MEDICINE
    • TMJD
    • SHOULDER PAIN
    • ELBOW PAIN
    • WRIST PAIN
    • CARPAL TUNNEL
    • LEG PAIN
    • HIP + THIGH PAIN
    • KNEE PAIN
    • FOOT AND ANKLE PAIN
    • PLANTAR FASCIITIS
    • MORTON’S NEUROMA
    INTERNAL MEDICINE
    • INSOMNIA
    • FATIGUE
    • DIGESTIVE ISSUES
    • FIBROMYALGIA
    • BRONCHITIS
    • ASTHMA
    • ALLERGIES
    • FOOD SENSITIVITIES
    • LUPUS
    • KIDNEY DISEASE
    • INCONTINENCE
    • FREQUENT URINATION
    • ECZEMA
    • SHINGLES
    • HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
    INTERNAL MEDICINE
    • DEPRESSION
    • ADDICTION
    • ANXIETY
    • STRESS
    • SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER
    • PTSD + CPTSD
    • MEN’S FERTILITY
    • MEN’S HEALTH + VITALITY
    • FERTILITY WOMEN
    • PMS | PMDD
    • MENOPAUSE
    • ENDOMETRIOSIS
  • PATIENTS
    OFFICE INFORMATION
    • SCHEDULE YOUR VISITS
    • WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR First APPOITMENT
    • PARKING AND DIRECTIONS
    • GENERAL FAQ
    • COVID MITIGATION
    • HIPPA PRIVACY POLICY
    • TELEHEALTH
    • FIND A PROVIDER
    FINANCIAL BILLING
    • PRE-VERIFY YOUR INSURANCE
    • INSURANCE FAQ
    • CARE CREDIT
    • FREE CONSULTATIONS
    • THIS MONTH’S SPECIALS
    • ABOUT YOUR STATEMENT
    RESOURCES
    • HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
    • COMMUNITY RESOURCES
    • WELLNESS TIPS SIGN UP
    • BLOG
  • SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT

Trigger Point Dry Needling Chicago

Request appointmentRequest appointment


Acupuncture


Dry Needle Therapy (also known as Trigger Point Dry Needling and Myofascial Dry Needling)

“Dry needle therapy” is a relatively new term in traditional Western medicine used to describe a pain relief technique that is foundationally and functionally an old acupuncture practice of Chinese medicine. Since its introduction it has been associated with many varying types of techniques, but today the term “dry needle therapy” is most appropriately used when referring to a procedure in which a standard acupuncture needle is inserted into a specifically targeted area of pain called a trigger point.





The term “dry needle” was first used by Dr. Janet Travell in the 1940’s to distinguish between “wet needle” pain relief treatments – those consisting of an hypodermic needle injection of a solution, such as a nerve block or saline, from “dry needle” treatments, which involve the insertion of a needle without injecting a solution. During her research, Dr. Travell discovered trigger points and pain referral patterns that exhibited the same results with either the “wet” or “dry” needle technique. Later, she, along with Dr. David Simons, identified and mapped many of these observations in their co-authored publication ‘Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual,’ providing a kind of blueprint still very much in use today among “dry needle therapy” practitioners.

The Dry Needle Controversy

With “dry needle therapy,” Western medicine and Chinese medicine have arrived at essentially the same method of relieving pain, even though they are grounded in such intrinsically different medical philosophies. The convergence of disparate philosophies has not come without problems. One basic contention being debated questions whether trigger point dry needling belongs to the realm of physical science or that of acupuncture. And, who should be allowed to perform this procedure, it consequently asks – a Western medicine specialist or a skilled acupuncturist? To date, there is no research data to support whether one version of the “dry needle” technique is better than the other. At Ravenswood Chiropractic & Wellness Center we believe the skills and clinical training of the individual practitioner are among the most important elements for achieving successful treatment results.

Methods of Trigger Point Dry Needling

There are several different methods and treatment techniques within trigger point dry needling. When you meet with your acupuncturist or chiropractic physician, they will use the method or combination of methods that they believe will work best for your condition. With that said, if there is a method that you prefer, be sure to let your dry needling practitioner know. Here are the most commonly used dry needling treatments:

Pistoning: Also referred to as sparrow pecking or in-out acupuncture, this method involves taking the dry needle, placing it in one trigger point, and shortly after moving it to the next.

Local Twitch Response (LTR): This method involves using a machine-paired dry needle to cause an involuntary movement in the designated area to help alleviate pain.

Superficial vs. Dry Needling: When a needle is placed in the skin at a very shallow level or when the needle is still floppy and loose, this is called superficial. It is often accompanied by dry needling where the needle is placed deeper. Together, these two methods can increase blood flow and pain relief to a specific site.

Trigger Point Model: Throughout the body, there are sites that are extremely sensitive to stress and tension. Pain can originate from here and spread throughout the body. The trigger point model places dry needles specifically in these areas to help with pain, tension, etc.

Neurofunctional: A dry needle is placed in what is referred to as a neurofunctional site or spot where the connection between muscle tissue and brain is strongest.

Tendon or Ligament: Considered one of the best therapies for tendonitis, tendon or ligament therapy requires a dry needle be placed at the site of the pain to promote blood flow, healing, and pain relief.

E-Stim: Also referred to as electro-stimulation, gentle electric currents can be placed through the needles to create a safe pulse of electricity. Many of the dry needling techniques described above can be enhanced by e-stim.

What does Dry Needle Therapy help?

Dry needle therapy can be especially beneficial for patients experiencing chronic myofascial pain conditions and their associated symptoms such as mild numbness & tingling.  It also may prove helpful in providing relief for muscle spasm pain associated with acute conditions (herniated discs, whiplash, etc.)

How does Dry Needling work?

Some exciting new research being done by Western medicine has shown that using the acupuncture needle creates mechanical, neurological and biochemical responses within the muscle tissue being treated. For instance, dry needling will produce a twitch response (an involuntary spinal cord reflex), which is one of the first steps in breaking the cycle of pain, it has an inhibitory effect on antagonistic muscles and may activate endogenous opioids. Additionally, the important Local Twitch Response (LTR) may also use up the ACh (neurotransmitter) in the affected muscle, which, before the LTR, may have been causing an increased firing of fibers around the problem area. Finally, the body will perceive the acupuncture needle as something that does not belong where it has been introduced and it will mount an immune reaction, releasing anti-inflammatories, which (because they enter the blood stream), not only affect the targeted area of pain, but also the entire body.

Eastern medicine, on the other hand, explains trigger point dry needling therapy as promoting the free flow of Qi (pronounced chee), aka life-force, and or Xue (pronounced shway), aka blood, which improves circulation and brings nutrients to an injury or area of pain. Similarly, as in Western medicine, the free flow of Qi or Xue described in Eastern medicine is also felt systemically throughout the body.

Where do you put the dry needles?

Depending on the practitioner’s training or the technique being used, the “dry needle,” (solid filiform, otherwise known as an acupuncture needle), may be placed into trigger points, around trigger points or in distant sites that relate to the trigger point or myofascial pain. Trigger point pain, or the sensation of where the patient feels pain, can be elusive and is sometimes radiated far from where the trigger point of pain actually resides. For example, the piriformis muscles located near the center of the buttocks may produce pain that is felt locally, or all the way down the leg (think sciatica). Another example would be the infraspinatus muscle located in the lower half of the shoulder blade, which can register pain in the “pinky” finger.

Inserting an acupuncture needle into a trigger point or another area of muscular tension is the very basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which uses insertion sites called ah shi points. Remarkably, these classical acupuncture points, which have been used to treat pain for centuries correspond more than 90% (according to Dr. Travell) with current Western medicine pain maps indicating where trigger points normally occur.

How do we do Dry Needle Trigger Point Therapy?

At Ravenswood Chiropractic & Wellness Center only our licensed Chicago acupuncturist or certified chiropractic physicians performs dry needle therapy. We feel the technical and clinical training of our practitioners provides a unique perspective on trigger point and myofascial pain treatment with an adept, knowledgeable and caring understanding regarding what dry needling sensation to generate when working on specific points for treatment.

Our dry needling technique is done using thin, sterile, stainless-steel, one-time use, disposable, solid filiform needles. The number of needles used depends on the patient’s condition. At first a mild, dull sensation may be felt with the initial insertion of the acupuncture needle. This usually subsides within one to two minutes. Treatment time normally lasts between 30-40 minutes. Follow up appointments may be recommended depending on the type of pain being experienced, how long it’s been going on and the symptoms being experienced. On average, a patient may expect to undergo about 4-6 treatments. Other therapies may be used in conjunction with dry needle therapy to reduce pain, including cupping, gua sha, electrotherapy, radial shockwave therapy, trigger point massage, and ultrasound.

Schedule a Dry Needle Therapy Consultation TODAY!

If you have any questions, or would like more information about how dry needle therapy may be beneficial for you, please call our office or schedule an appointment with our Licensed Chicago Acupuncturist or our Dry Needling Certified Chiropractic Physician, Dr. DeFabio.
Our office is located in Andersonville on Ravenswood/Foster.


Also Related…



Traditional Chinese Medicine

Find out more about our well-known acupuncture clinic in Chicago and some of the benefits of this drug-free therapy.


Chinese Herbal Medicine

Our licensed Chinese herbalist has over 600 hours of education and years of experience regarding this centuries-old practice.  Learn more today!


Cupping

Find out more about cupping, a traditional Eastern medicine practice that helps reduce tension and eliminate toxins in the muscles.


Gua Sha Technique

Gua sha technique is similar to cupping, but uses a ceramic spoon or wooden Gua sha tool to treat parts of the body where cups aren’t as easy to keep in place.


Moxibustion Therapy

Moxa therapy involves burning a small amount of herbs to treat muscle tension, relieve menstrual pain, turn breech babies and more!


Electroacupuncture

Similar to traditional acupuncture, electroacupuncture incorporates small electric currents to treat a variety of conditions.


Auricular Acupuncture

Auricular acupuncture uses points on the ear to send electrical impulses to the brain and terat addiction, anxiety, depression, and many other conditions.


Five Element Acupuncture

This type of acupuncture is based on the five elements of nature: fire, water, metal, earth, and wood and is employed to balance energy in the body.


Community Acupuncture

Community acupuncture is an affordable way to try out acupuncture and learn about its benefits for yourself.



Additional Information

Baldry,Peter “Superficial Versus Deep Dry Needling”
http://aim.bmj.com/content/20/2-3/78.full.pdf+html

Kietrys, David M. et al “Effectiveness of Dry-Needling for Upper-Quarter Myofascial Pain: A Systemic Review and Meta-analysis”
http://www.jospt.org/doi/pdf/10.2519/jospt.2013.4668

Karakurum, B, et al “The ‘dry-needle technique’: intramuscular stimulation in tension-type headache“.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1468-2982.2001.218238.x/abstract

Srbely,John Z. et al “Dry Needle Stimulation of Myofascial Trigger Points Evokes Segmental Anti-Nociceptive Effects” Journal of Rehabilitative Medicine. 2010; 42:463-468.
http://docserver.ingentaconnect.com/deliver/connect/mjl/16501977/v42n5/s8.pdf?expires=1437240551&id=82308581&titleid=1029&accname=Guest+User&checksum=5BAAB6EA6127758B80BFA3632BBF6007

Garvey, Timothy A., “A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Evaluation of Trigger-Point Injection Therapy for Low-Back Pain“.
http://docserver.ingentaconnect.com/deliver/connect/mjl/16501977/v42n5/s8.pdf?expires=1437240551&id=82308581&titleid=1029&accname=Guest+User&checksum=5BAAB6EA6127758B80BFA3632BBF6007

Irnich, Dominik et al, “Immediate effects of dry needling and acupuncture at distant points in chronic neck pain: results of a randomized, double blind, sham-controlled crossover trial”
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304395902000623

Edwards,Janet et al “Superficial dry needling and active stretching in the treatment of myofascial pain – a randomized controlled trial”
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304395902000623


  • Conditions
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Events
  • Careers
  • Contact Us

logo

MON:Closed

TUE:11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.

WED:11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.

THU:11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.

FRI:9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.

SAT:9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

SUN:Closed

5215 N. Ravenswood Ave • Suite 105
Chicago, IL 60640

773.878.7330

    Please fill out the form below and we will contact you within 1 business day. If you have a contact method preference or anything else you’d like us to know before we get back to you please do so in the comments section below. We look forward to the opportunity of serving you.






    … Or call and speak directly to one of our expert team members today
    773.878.7330
    x
    SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT
    • home-facebookhome-facebook-hover
    • home-googlehome-google-hover
    • home-youtubehome-youtube-hover
    • home-yelp home-yelp-hover

    Locations Served

    • Andersonville
    • Lincoln Square
    • Edgewater
    • Skokie
    • Evanston
    • Chicago
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Exercise Disclaimer
    • Medical Health Disclaimer
    • Privacy Statement
    • Good Faith Estimate
    • Covid-19

    © RennWellness 2023 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

    • Chiropractic
      • ABOUT CHIROPRACTIC
        • Chiropractic Care for Pain Management
        • Chiropractic During Pregnancy
        • Chiropractor for Kids
        • Chiropractic for Sports and Fitness
      • CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES
        • Spinal Adjustments
        • Extremity Adjustments
        • Spinal Decompression Therapy
        • Radial Shockwave Therapy
        • Selective Functional Movement Assessment
      • ABOUT CUSTOM FOOT ORTHOTICS
        • Orthotics for Sports Performance
        • Orthotics During Pregnancy
        • Orthotics for Children
    • Physical Therapy
      • Our Physical Therapy Program
      • Personal Training
      • Ultrasound
      • Electrotherapy
      • Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facillitation
      • Active Release Technique
    • Acupuncture
      • What is Acupuncture
      • Traditional Chinese Medicine
      • Acupressure
      • Eastern Nutrition
      • Trigger Point Dry Needling
      • Cupping
      • Gua Sha
      • Moxibustion Therapy
      • ElectroAcupuncture
      • Auricular Acupuncture
      • Five Element Acupuncture
    • Massage Therapy
      • Swedish Massage
      • Deep Tissue Massage
      • Sports Massage
      • Lymphatic Drainage
      • Prenatal Massage
      • Myofascial Release
      • Trigger Point Massage
    • Functional Medicine
      • How Can Functional Medicine Help Me?
      • Blood Tests
      • Food Sensitivity Testing
      • Functional Medicine Detox Program
    • CONDITIONS
      • PHYSICAL MEDICINE
        • HEADACHE
        • BACK PAIN
        • NECK PAIN
        • WHIPLASH
        • HERNIATION DISC
        • SPINAL STENOSIS
        • SCIATICA
        • DISC INJURY
        • PINCHED NERVE
        • NUMBNESS AND TINGLING
        • NERVE ENTRAPMENT
        • SPRAINS / STRAINS
        • JOINT PAIN
        • ARTHRITIS
        • BURSITIS
        • TENDONITIS
      • PHYSICAL MEDICINE
        • TMJD
        • SHOULDER PAIN
        • ELBOW PAIN
        • WRIST PAIN
        • CARPAL TUNNEL
        • LEG PAIN
        • HIP + THIGH PAIN
        • KNEE PAIN
        • FOOT AND ANKLE PAIN
        • PLANTAR FASCIITIS
        • MORTON’S NEUROMA
      • INTERNAL MEDICINE
        • INSOMNIA
        • FATIGUE
        • DIGESTIVE ISSUES
        • FIBROMYALGIA
        • BRONCHITIS
        • ASTHMA
        • ALLERGIES
        • FOOD SENSITIVITIES
        • LUPUS
        • KIDNEY DISEASE
        • INCONTINENCE
        • FREQUENT URINATION
        • ECZEMA
        • SHINGLES
        • HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
      • INTERNAL MEDICINE
        • DEPRESSION
        • ADDICTION
        • ANXIETY
        • STRESS
        • SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER
        • PTSD + CPTSD
        • MEN’S FERTILITY
        • MEN’S HEALTH + VITALITY
        • FERTILITY WOMEN
        • PMS | PMDD
        • MENOPAUSE
        • ENDOMETRIOSIS
    • PATIENTS
      • OFFICE INFORMATION
        • SCHEDULE YOUR VISITS
        • WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR First APPOITMENT
        • PARKING AND DIRECTIONS
        • GENERAL FAQ
        • COVID MITIGATION
        • HIPPA PRIVACY POLICY
        • TELEHEALTH
        • FIND A PROVIDER
      • FINANCIAL BILLING
        • PRE-VERIFY YOUR INSURANCE
        • INSURANCE FAQ
        • CARE CREDIT
        • FREE CONSULTATIONS
        • THIS MONTH’S SPECIALS
        • ABOUT YOUR STATEMENT
      • RESOURCES
        • HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
        • COMMUNITY RESOURCES
        • WELLNESS TIPS SIGN UP
        • BLOG
    • SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT