Physiotherapy Puncture with Dry Needles

What is physiotherapeutic puncture with dry needling?

Physiotherapeutic dry needling puncture (PPAS) is a treatment modality that involves introducing dry needles (without fluid infiltration) into muscles, tendons or ligaments to deactivate trigger points or relieve pain created by damage to these structures.

Trigger points are sensitive areas within a taut band of muscle. The use of a needle modulates the various inflammatory processes and influences the neurophysiological reactions associated with pain. Physiotherapists use sterile, single-use acupuncture needles.

Unlike acupuncture, which is based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, including the energetic approach and meridians, PPAS is based on a musculoskeletal approach.

PPAS is used by physiotherapists holding the attestation issued by the Ordre Professionnel de la Physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) following theoretical and practical training.