Abstract: A needle (1) and needle probe are provided. The needle (1) has a conducting inner core (12) separated for a conducting outer cannula (14) by an insulating element (16). A first end of the needle is for insertion into a patient, whereas the second end (6) is adapted for electrical connection to the remainder of the instrument. The second end (6) is formed in a substantially conical or substantially pyramidal shape. The inner core (12) at the second end contacts a contact plate (45) of a spring contact probe (22) to provide one electrical contact. To provide the other electrical contact, the outer cannula (16) at the second end is connected to an inner wall (18) which contacts spring fingers (51) mounted around the spring contact probe (22).

Abstract: A modality of twitch obtaining intramuscular stimulation (IMS) pain relief therapy employs an EMG needle having a Teflon coated shaft and exposed conductive tip to apply micro-electrical stimulation locally and focally to muscle motor end plate zones or regions of adjacent motor end plate zones. The electrical stimulation facilitates the elicitation of strong twitch responses from muscle fibers associated with the stimulated motor end plates, generally without requiring physical needle manipulation following the initial pin insertion. Less skill is required to effectively elicit pain relieving twitch responses, thus facilitating training of medical personnel to carry the procedure. Rapid movement between multiple treatment sites is possible allowing treatment of a larger number of afflicted muscles and muscle areas in a single treatment session. The strength and number of twitches obtained at the treatment sites can provide substantial relief from regional and diffuse myofacsial pain of radiculopathic origin.