What is dry needling?
Dry Needling is a treatment that targets myofascial trigger points to relieve pain or elicit a twitch response. A trigger point is defined as a taut band within a muscle that is hypersensitive and irritable. A trigger point can cause pain that can refer to other areas and often also results in stiffness, tenderness and other problems. It can vary in size and occurs when the muscle is restricted and results in an increase of fluid between the muscle fibres.
Dry needling may be an effective treatment for:
- Activating weak muscles such as VMO
- Chronic neck & back pain
- Headache & migraines
- RSI (Repetitive Strain Injuries)
- Sports injuries
- Gluteal and lower limb muscle pain eg hamstrings & calves
- Shoulder pain
What does treatment involve?
Treatment involves inserting a fine needle (usually about 0.2mm) through your skin and muscle and into the centre of a myofascial trigger point of an area where you’re experiencing pain. Once inserted, your therapist will gently rotate, manipulate or stimulate the needle, which will cause the local fibres to twitch and you could feel a deep ache at the trigger point or referral area. This simple technique, in combination with conventional physiotherapy, has proven to be an effective method for ensuring pain-free motion. If you’re enduring an acute or chronic condition, it’s possible to notice significant changes after just 3-5 treatments.
Dry needling is mostly a painless treatment and our qualified physiotherapists are skilled to provide you with a safe and correctly administered treatment.
Speak with our reception about making an appointment.