Myofascial dry needling (MDN) is a specialised technique that uses a needle, similar to those used in acupuncture, applied to the muscular system to deactivate myofascial trigger points. These points may produce local tenderness, referred pain or a local twitch response. This in turn will decrease the associated referred pain, promoting pain relief and also stimulating the production of endorphins.
Dry needling should not be confused with acupuncture as these treatments are distinctly different. Myofascial dry needling uses points that are based on western anatomy and physiology, while acupuncture is based on oriental practices using points along meridians in the body or their energy channels.