Trigger point dry needling is a procedure aimed at myofascial trigger points (tight muscles) and is commonly used within physiotherapy, adjacent to other forms of treatment. It is used to encourage muscle activation and decrease pain.
Dry needling is based on Western medicine principles and differs greatly from traditional Chinese acupuncture. It involves the insertion of solid needles into soft tissue structures of the body. It can be used to treat neuromuscular dysfunction, pain referral patterns and chronic pain.
Dry Needling Procedure.
Your qualified practitioner will insert the needles into tight points (often described as muscle knots), or trigger points, in order to provoke a twitch response which releases the muscle from its hyperactive state. Insertion of the needle promotes a targeted inflammatory response to the area being treated and this, in turn, activates the healing response as well as assisting the nervous system to ‘turn off’ the local muscle spasm. The end result is a local muscular release, often an immediate improvement in range of movement, and a reduction in pain. Rest assured, your physiotherapist will stay with you throughout the procedure and assess any symptoms.
How many sessions are needed?
The number of sessions will vary between clients and their injuries. Like every injury, we will assess to find the cause of your pain. We will work with you to treat your symptoms and dry needling may be recommended as part of your treatment plan.
Dry Needling vs Acupuncture.
Dry needling is designed to relieve tightness and pain in muscles. Acupuncture is designed to heal the body when energy is released.
What areas can be treated by dry needling?
- Chronic pain
- Golfers elbow
- Tennis elbow
- Migraine and tension headaches
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Spinal pathology
- Shoulder pathology
- Upper and lower back problems
- ITB (Iliotibial band syndrome)
- Glutes (Piriformis syndrome)
- Calves
- Shin splints
- Achilles tendinopathy
- and more!
Things to remember:
- Dry needling is not compulsory, if the physio recommends the procedure, it is 100% up to you;
- It is an invasive procedure that may cause some discomfort and bruising but not pain;
- The 'dry' needles contain no liquid and nothing is injected into the body;
- Dry needling will not be administered if you are pregnant, have a heart valve or if you are a minor. If we recommend dry needling to a client under the age of 18 years old, a parent/guardian must give consent and be present during the procedure.
Client's receive huge benefits after dry needling. Consult with your physiotherapist if you think dry needling may assist in reducing your pain.