Services
Dry Needling
Services
Dry Needling
This technique, normally used to supplement a larger treatment programme, uses dry filiform needles that penetrate the skin and tap into the muscles to activate and release the body’s trigger points. This process helps patients who have musculoskeletal issues, by addressing their pain and mobility problems.
Dry needling is similar to acupuncture, and uses the same type of needles. However, acupuncture has its origins in traditional Chinese medicine, and emphasises vitality and energy – whereas dry needling is a Western approach used to influence how the brain responds to specific muscle areas, ultimately helping to restore and improve muscle function.
Is dry needling painful?
Muscle pain restricts movement. Dry needling systematically reduces this pain, helping you restore mobility in affected areas. Some patients can feel the pain ease off very quickly, and soon move their bodies normally again – but others find that it takes time for the effects to kick in. If you are afraid of needles, this technique might not be ideal for you, but most people have little trouble adjusting to the needle.
You might feel a slight twitch or ache when the needle goes in, which is actually an early indication that the method is working. Depending on the complexity of the injury, needle treatment time for the afflicted area can last for as little as a few seconds, all the way up to 10 minutes or more before it is removed. You may feel sore afterwards for a day or two in the areas treated, but this effect is normal and can be resolved by doing light stretching, gently massaging the area, or applying heat.
How does it work?
Therapists use disposable thin sterile acupuncture needles which go into your skin. These target the body’s trigger points, which are areas in your muscles not reachable by the therapist’s hands. Trigger points are extremely sensitive and can be the source of other pain around your body, limiting your movement. When properly manipulated, they can reverse the tight contraction of muscle fibres in the affected area and surrounding connective tissue, thereby facilitating movement.
Once the needle makes contact with a trigger point, you may feel a slight twitch around the affected muscle. As this twitch occurs, the trigger point starts to flex, decreasing the pressure and tightness, relieving pain, and allowing your blood to flow optimally.
What does it treat?
This technique helps resolve a range of musculoskeletal problems, particularly pain around the muscle tendons, joints, neck, shoulder, elbows, and back. It also provides relief for certain stress-related injuries, carpal tunnel soreness, soft tissue injuries, and headaches or migraines.
Dry needling is an excellent technique to restore your muscle condition by putting it in a more natural state, in a relatively short period of time. Especially when paired with other forms of therapy, dry needling lets you regain your range of motion and resume your regular daily routines, pain-free.