What is it?

• Insertion of a solid filiform needle into the skin to treat muscle pain, also known as intramuscular stimulation

 

• A needle is inserted into the skin and muscle directly at a myofascial trigger point

 

• A myofascial trigger point consists of multiple contraction knots that are related to the pain cycle

 

• Needling of a trigger point causes a local twitch response (LTR)

 

• A local twitch response is an involuntary spinal cord reflex causing pain relief