Dry needling

What is Dry needling? 

Dry Needling (DN) is a method of treatment for taught bands of soft tissue I.e. muscle or connective tissue, that may contribute to your pain and limiting your movement. It can assist in reducing pain, muscular spasm and sensitivity of tender areas I.e. trigger points. 

Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?

It is not the same. DN is based on western medicine with the aim of restoring normal tissue function and reducing pain using an anatomical approach to guide placement of needles. Acupuncture is based on traditional eastern philosophical medicine that treats local as well as systemic conditions through meridians/lines on the body.

How does it work?

DN may help to reduce tissue tension and trigger points that may be slowing your recovery or causing discomfort and pain. Through the insertion of the needle into a specific point of tension- a decrease in pain is caused by a response of the central nervous system I.e. the brain and spinal cord. There is also an increase in blood circulation to this area, which allows for chemical changes to occur on a cellular level, while restoring balance.

Which conditions dry needling be useful for?

Trigger points (sore spots or muscle knots) and muscle tension is common in most musculoskeletal conditions that cause pain or discomfort. The treatment of DN is useful in combination with other treatment methods to restore function.  

Give us a call to chat to one of our physiotherapists to discuss if this treatment option may help you with your injury.