Wet needling introduction Myofascial trigger points (TrPs) are localized painful areas of skeletal muscle containing taut bands that can be exquisitely sensitive to digital pressure.
Wet needling introduction Myofascial trigger points (TrPs) are localized painful areas of skeletal muscle containing taut bands that can be exquisitely sensitive to digital pressure. We discussed dry needling in a previous post, which differs from wet needling. Wet needling involves injecting a substance into a TrP, like an anesthetic or botulinum toxin, through a hypodermic beveled cutting edge needle.
Trigger point injections (TPIs) can be used interchangeably with wet needling and sometimes direct wet needling. Most providers use lidocaine for the injectate, but wet needling technically encompasses all injectates. Wet needling or TPIs are a widely used invasive therapy wherein a needle is guided directly into a TrP that has been previously identified on physical examination.
Wet needling is best used as part of a comprehensive multimodal treatment plan. This strategy can be particularly beneficial when they are initially used to reduce pain in patients otherwise intolerant of physical therapy or stretching, allowing the physical modalities to be more effective. They should be considered in patients once a thorough evaluation is completed to rule out other causes of back pain including muscle strain, axial back pain, structural causes of pain, discogenic back pain, vertebrogenic back pain, spinal stenosis, vertebral body disease (including fracture), and radicular back pain.
Wet needling or TPIs are a widely used invasive therapy wherein a needle is guided directly into a TrP that has been previously identified on physical examination. Wet needling is best used as part of a comprehensive multimodal treatment plan. This strategy can be particularly beneficial when they are initially used to reduce pain in patients otherwise intolerant of physical therapy or stretching, allowing the physical modalities to be more effective.
They should be considered in patients once a thorough evaluation is completed to rule out other causes of back pain including muscle strain, axial back pain, structural causes of pain, discogenic back pain, vertebrogenic back pain, spinal stenosis, vertebral body disease (including fracture), and radicular back pain. The targeted areas are then identified and marked by the presence of discrete TrPs with localized tenderness, hypertonicity, and taut bands. Using the nondominant hand, the skin and underlying tissue is pinched between the index finger and thumb, and the needle attached to the syringe with the injectate is inserted using the dominant hand at a 30ยฐ angle until the taut band is reached.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to wet needling, it is important to see a sports medicine physician. Early evaluation and treatment typically lead to better outcomes. Do not ignore pain or symptoms that are limiting your activity.
*This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.*
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