Trigger Point Dry Needling: A Functional Neurology Approach

Course overview

*Explain how cortical representation and sensory homunculus mapping influence the neurological response to dry needling in different body regions. *Describe the four types of joint mechanoreceptors and identify Type II receptors as primary targets of manipulation and needling. *Identify high-density muscle spindle targets and explain how Golgi tendon organ-like receptors inhibit agonists and excite antagonists. *Demonstrate the proprioceptive standing test to assess vestibular, visual, and joint/muscle contributions to balance and screen for myelopathy. *Describe the corticospinal pathway and the physiological requirements for skeletal muscle contraction. *Explain alpha-gamma coactivation and how needling alters muscle spindle gain by piercing extrafusal and intrafusal fibers. *Differentiate the clinical effects of fast stretch versus sustained slow stretch on muscle tone and apply each appropriately. *Analyze how cerebellar, vestibular, and reticular formation inputs regulate extensor drive and postural tone.