[gordner]

I ruptured my achilles last June and had surgical repair. During physio I have received multiple sessions of dry needling, which is what you are describing. Its a western medicines approach to accupuncture, slightly larger gage needles, sometimes electric current, and the needles are usually manipulated not just inserted. Jabbed around a bunch into the tense muscle bind. And I'll be damned if it isn't hugely effective. Not a one shot fix, but restores some mobility and feeling to tight muscles, loosens up every time a perceptible amount.