Trigger point dry needling for muscle pain and tension in Gonzales, LA. Jamie G. Smith, MSPT, uses dry needling as part of a comprehensive physical therapy treatment plan.
Dry Needling for Muscle Pain and Tension
Trigger point dry needling in Gonzales, LA used as one part of a complete physical therapy plan.
Trigger Point Treatment
What Dry Needling Is
Not acupuncture
Dry needling uses the same type of thin filament needle as acupuncture, but the technique, purpose, and framework differ. Acupuncture follows meridian-based theory; dry needling targets specific tight muscle bands (trigger points) based on anatomy and pain science.
Trigger point dry needling inserts a fine needle directly into a muscle knot to release tension and restore normal function. A trigger point is a spot in your muscle that causes both local pain and referred pain elsewhere.
When the needle contacts the trigger point, the muscle often twitches briefly — that twitch response signals the release. The result: decreased muscle tension, reduced referred pain, and improved movement.
What to Expect
Patients often feel a brief twitch, ache, or deep pressure when a trigger point releases. Mild soreness can follow, similar to workout soreness, then a lasting decrease in muscle tension and improved movement. Jamie uses dry needling when it fits the overall plan, not as a stand-alone shortcut.
Ready for a Plan Built Around You?
No referral required · Most insurances accepted · One-on-one care with Jamie