Dry needling is a safe, minimally discomforting, effective technique to decrease musculoskeletal pain. It is performed by licensed, trained physical therapists who are certified in the procedure. A thin microfilament needle (the same needle used in acupuncture) is inserted into the skin to decrease muscle spasms, trigger points, and pain.

A trigger point is a muscle fibre’s local contracture or tight band. Trigger points can restrict the range of motion and cause radiating or local pain and tenderness, decreasing functionality.

Dry needling does not inherently cause pain; it relieves it. The needles used are thin they penetrate your skin with little to no sensation. Once the needle reaches the trigger point, your muscle may twitch involuntarily, which is a positive response. However, the twitch is short-lived and lasts for a few seconds but may feel like a brief cramp. That is when the pain begins to fade away.

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation (IASTM) can be a beneficial manual therapy treatment in physical therapy.

IASTM refers to using dense, non-irritating material, such as stainless steel or jade, to apply a force to soft tissue structures such as muscles or tendons to achieve a musculoskeletal and/or neurological change.

It works by manipulating Fascia, our body’s connective tissue, covering all other soft tissue structures, including muscle. When the fascia becomes “stuck,” medical professionals may refer to that as adhesion or restriction, which can be tight or painful.

Using IASTM tools, we can determine the exact spot where the adhesion lies because it will feel crunchy or crinkly underneath. Once the precise restriction area is identified, we can target that space with the tool.

Using these tools creates friction and introduces micro-trauma to the adhesion, thus breaking up muscle belly trigger points, “Knots,” and scar tissue alike. IASTM can reduce nervous system muscle tone, allowing muscles to relax. Another great benefit is that it promotes blood to the treatment area and encourages tissue remodelling, all of which help to improve mobility.

The word articulation originates from ‘jointed’ or ‘divided into joints’. Articulation is the cornerstone of manual therapies, including osteopathy, physiotherapy, chiropractic, sports therapy and massage therapy.

Articulation uses a low amplitude and low to moderate movement velocity within the client’s pain-free range of motion while in dysfunction, whereas manipulation uses a high-velocity technique.

This aids the body’s natural lubricating system (synovial fluid) to embalm the joint, increasing the range of motion, and decreasing pain or both (ideally).