How Intramuscular Stimulation Can Accelerate Your Recovery from Chronic Tension

Chronic tension and trigger points can take a toll on your daily life, causing discomfort and limiting your movement. Have you ever experienced that tight knot in your shoulder that just won’t go away? Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), commonly called dry needling, offers a promising solution. This method targets those painful muscle knots, helping to promote healing and speed up recovery. Discover the power of IMS as it is coupled with other therapies within the clinic.

Understanding Intramuscular Stimulation

Intramuscular stimulation is a therapeutic technique where thin needles are inserted into specific areas of muscle tissue. Unlike acupuncture, which aims to balance energy, dry needling focuses directly on myofascial trigger points—tight bands of muscle that can lead to pain and discomfort. By targeting these points, IMS helps to break up muscle tightness, enhance blood circulation, and encourage healing.

The process of dry needling is quick and typically each needle stays in the skin for only a second or two. Some patients will need only 1 or 2 needles, whereas others will need dozens during a single treatment. Many patients report a noticeable reduction in pain right after their first treatment, making it a sought-after method for those with muscle issues. I would describe this type of treatment as a more aggressive but direct form of muscular intervention. Most common question i receive is: does it hurt? Simple answer is that a skilled practitioner will be able to make informed decisions to get the most out of a treatment, without significant soreness. Some would describe the needling as scratching and itch or a "good hurt", while others simply will do it because of the relief it provides.

The Science Behind Dry Needling

Numerous studies indicate that dry needling can efficiently reduce pain and enhance function for people suffering from chronic tension. The insertion of needles into trigger points often triggers a local twitch response, which is essentially a quick contraction of the muscle. This reflex helps reset the muscle's natural resting state. Trigger points indicate the muscle is already contracted perhaps around 20% of its maximal contraction. The needle inserted into the trigger point will produce a very brief but 100 % muscular contraction, followed by a resetting of the muscle back to its preferred state of 0% contraction. It essentially resets the muscle.

Additionally, dry needling encourages the release of endorphins, your body's natural pain relievers. This response not only diminishes pain but also boosts overall well-being. For example, one study found that individuals who underwent dry needling reported up to a 100% reduction in pain levels after multiple sessions, showcasing the technique's effectiveness in addressing the root causes of muscle tension.

Benefits of Intramuscular Stimulation

1. Pain Relief

One standout advantage of dry needling is its ability to deliver quick pain relief. Many patients notice a significant decrease in discomfort after just one session. This immediate relief can be especially beneficial for those who have been coping with chronic pain for many years.

2. Improved Range of Motion

Chronic tension can limit your movement. By effectively targeting trigger points, dry needling helps release tight muscles, thereby enhancing your range of motion. This improvement is vital for athletes who need their bodies to perform at their best. In fact, a report indicated that athletes using dry needling achieved a 35% increase in flexibility over a month of treatment.

3. Enhanced Recovery

For those recovering from injuries, dry needling can significantly speed up the healing process. Enhanced blood flow combined with reduced muscle tension helps you return to normal activities more quickly. This is particularly crucial for athletes aiming to regain peak performance, as a faster recovery allows them to train effectively and compete.

4. Reduced Muscle Tightness

Regular dry needling sessions can help manage muscle tightness over time. Patients who consistently address trigger points can experience long-lasting relief from chronic tension. A proactive approach helps prevent the recurrence of pain and discomfort, giving you better control over your physical health.

What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session

The main goal is to eliminate a trigger point. The needle does not hurt as it enters the skin. The muscle will quickly contract then relax within a second of the needle being in the dermis and muscle. The process is very quick and typically very little discomfort is experienced when doing such a procedure with an expierenced provider.

You may feel a day or two of sorness following the appointment, similar to that of a workout would provide. Some scenarios there will be no discomfort at all, with pain relief being the only symptom.

Often, the effects of a chiropractic adjustment alongside stategically placed dry needling pin, will provide great relief in areas that are "blocked" or very painful. Although it is considered a more aggresive therapy, the benefits can be life altering if you have areas of chronic or significant pain and discomfort.

If you have pain, Dr. Mike can help!