Dry Needling

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique that involves the insertion of thin, solid needles into specific points in the body, typically muscle trigger points or tight bands of tissue. Unlike traditional acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on balancing energy flow, dry needling is based on modern Western medicine principles and aims to target and release muscular tension and pain.

Key aspects of dry needling

Muscle Trigger Points

Dry needling primarily targets myofascial trigger points—localized knots or tight bands within muscles that can be a source of pain and dysfunction.

Mechanical and Neurological Effects

● The insertion of the thin needles creates a micro-injury at the trigger points, stimulating the body's natural healing response.
● The mechanical action of the needle can help break up muscle knots, release tension, and improve blood flow to the affected area.
● Additionally, the presence of the needle stimulates sensory nerves, leading to a neurological response that can modulate pain signals and promote muscle relaxation.

Pain Relief and Improved Function

● Dry needling is often used to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with musculoskeletal conditions such as muscle strains, overuse injuries, or chronic pain.
● By releasing tension in trigger points, dry needling can contribute to improved muscle function, flexibility, and range of motion.

Complementary Treatment

● Dry needling is often used as a complementary treatment alongside other therapeutic interventions, such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, or massage therapy.
● It may be part of a broader approach to address the underlying causes of musculoskeletal issues.

Conditions Treated

Dry needling is commonly employed for conditions such as tension headaches, neck pain, back pain, sciatica, shoulder pain, and various sports-related injuries.

Minimal Discomfort

While the idea of needles might be intimidating, dry needling is generally well-tolerated. The needles used are very thin, and the procedure is designed to minimise discomfort.

The effectiveness of dry needling can vary from person to person, and its suitability for a particular condition should be assessed by one of our highly qualified therapists.