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Dry Needling

Dry needling is a technique where sterile, single-use acupuncture needles are inserted into tight or dysfunctional muscles. The technique is based upon western anatomical and neurophysiological theories, rather than Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture which is based upon energy meridian theories.
During dry needling, needles are inserted into the muscle to target "trigger points". These trigger points are tight, painful bands in the muscle that may also refer pain to other areas. Trigger points may contribute to muscle pain, restricted movement or altered muscle function.

Dry needling is a fast technique, where needles are inserted into the muscle and gently moved in and out and then removed after a short period. During the technique, you should feel a dull, achy sensation and often a "twitch" or jumpy feeling in the muscle, you may also feel referral of pain to another area. Mild adverse effects may occur such as bruising and post treatment soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a workout). However, dry needling is a safe technique when carried out by trained practitioners and the risk of severe adverse effects is very low (1 in 10,000). The technique has been found to have immediate benefits such as improving local and referred pain, reducing muscle tension, restoring muscle activation patterns and normalising the biochemical environment around trigger points.

Many acute and chronic conditions may benefit from dry needling including acute muscle pain/spasm, back pain, headaches, tendinopathies, knee or hip pain, arthritis.

Dry needling may be used as part of a treatment plan alongside other techniques such as massage, mobilisations and exercises. The technique is generally followed by strengthening and stretching exercises to maintain improvements and address any potential causes.

Call us today to book in a session with any of our Physiotherapists to see if dry needling may be an appropriate treatment tool for you.

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