A trigger point is a hyper-irritable area associated with a taut band of muscle fibers and a nodule, or "knot" in the muscle. Trigger points are often the cause of pain in the neck, lower back, shoulders, hips and other areas and can also cause some headaches. They affect people with chronic pain, acute injuries or even sports injuries. Trigger points can often be difficult to treat and the pain they cause people significant, pain-related problems.

To contact the Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, please call 202-715-5655.

Trigger point dry needling solves these problems by inserting a small needle directly into the tight muscle to release knots, decrease pain and improve function. Muscle soreness can occur for a few hours after needling into the following day, but afterwards most patients report significantly decreased pain and improved flexibility.

Dry needling can be used for:

  • Myofascial, neck, lower back, hip and knee pain
  • Headaches
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Shoulder Impingement
  • Rotator Cuff Syndrome
  • Tennis Elbow