Dry Needling
Dry needling is an effective treatment to relieve discomfort, improve flexibility, and reduced nerve pain. Sometimes referred to as Western Acupuncture, it is specifically intended to target and restore normal muscle function.
What is dry needling?
Dry Needling involves the insertion of filament needles into a myofascial trigger point. It is referred to as ‘Dry’ because it does not involve the injection of liquid.
Physiotherapists and myotherapists often use dry needling in conjunction with other techniques for pain relief. It can also promote healing and restore normal tissue function. Here at Fountain Gate Physiotherapy, Physiotherapists Rodney Nieuwenhuizen, Isaac Chu, and Tracey Bennett, and Myotherapist Thong Pham have all had training in the use of dry needling for rehabilitation.
How does it work?
It is not fully understood how it works. However, there is growing evidence that it has a positive effect on the electrical and chemical communications that occur in the body. This includes inhibiting the transmission of pain signals as well as promoting the release of pain relieving chemicals.’
Dry needling uses a very fine solid filament needle similar to a traditional acupuncture needle. The needle causes a small precise ‘injury’ to the tissue when it enters the body. The ‘injury’ signals the brain to respond to the damage and repair the damaged tissue. Needling in an active trigger point provokes a twitch response from the muscle. The muscle fibres relax following the twitch, inflammation reduces and circulation improves.
As a result any muscle, tendon or myofascial issue can benefit from dry needling.
What conditions can benefit from dry needling?
Any muscle, tendon or myofasical issue can respond, for example:
Neck and lower back pain
Muscle strains or tightness
Sporting injuries
Headaches including Temporomandibular dysfunction
Pain from poor posture
Is it safe?
Yes, it is a very safe process. We only use single use sterile needles that are very fine (.16 to .30 mm). You may feel a slight ache when the needle enters a trigger point. Very rarely there may be some bleeding but this stops very quickly.
Following treatment sometimes you may have some soreness over the treated area or referral zone. This can last from a couple of hours to two days. People may also feel a little tired following a session but this should resolve quickly.