DRY NEEDLING THERAPY

Dry Needling Therapy is a technique used by our Physiotherapists and Remedial Massage Therapists to reduce muscle tension, speed healing, and restore function.

WHAT IS DRY NEEDLING?
Dry Needling involves the insertion of a thin filament needle into muscle trigger points, fascia, tendon, or ligament to stimulate healing processes, reduce muscle tension, and loosen soft tissues.

The needle used is extremely thin and most clients do not even feel it penetrate the skin. A healthy muscle often results in very little discomfort on insertion of the needle, however if the muscle is tight, shortened, or has active trigger points within it, a small twitch response is commonly elicited simulating the sensation of a small muscle cramp.

The client also may feel a reproduction of their pain complaint which is a helpful indicator for the physiotherapist when attempting to diagnose the cause. Clients soon learn to recognise and even welcome this sensation as it results in reduced pain and improved function in the involved muscle or tissue.

WHAT IS A TRIGGER POINT?
A myofascial "trigger point" is a sensitive point in skeletal muscle that is associated with the development of a nodule or “knot”. This area becomes painful at the site and can also generate radiating referred pain patterns.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ACUPUNCTURE AND DRY NEEDLING?
Acupuncture and dry needling are very distinct modalities. Dry needling of is based on a thorough musculoskeletal evaluation and modern western medicine theories. Acupuncture on the other hand is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, including channel theories, the stimulation of life force ‘Chi’, and meridians/zones.

The reason most people confuse the two methods is the fact they both involve the use of a solid thin needle filament.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM DRY NEEDLING?
A variety of musculoskeletal problems including, but not limited to:

  • Muscle tension/spasms

  • Headaches

  • Neck/Back pain

  • Tendon/ligament injuries

  • Sciatica

  • Hip/Knee pain

  • Muscle strains

  • Overuse injuries