Used in conjunction with our Osteopathy treatment, dry needling can be a highly effective, drug-free way to achieve pain relief. It works on the basis that when certain trigger points in your muscles become irritated, they can lead to referred pain or tightness elsewhere. The practice of dry needling involves inserting very fine needles into these trigger points to encourage them to relax and release tension.
This helps to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow, allowing the muscle to naturally heal. It also helps release natural painkillers in your body called endorphins and can provide relief from headaches, neck pain, shoulder tension and other muscular issues. Dry needling is not suitable for everyone so it’s important that you discuss this with your practitioner before making a decision. However, most patients report experiencing a positive difference in their symptoms after the first session and continue to experience lasting relief afterwards.
Please contact us if you’d like more information on dry needling or book an appointment to discuss this further with one of our Osteopaths. We look forward to seeing you soon!
What is trigger point dry needling?
Trigger point dry needling is a form of therapy that uses small, thin needles to target tight and specific areas of muscle tissue known as trigger points. The purpose of this type of therapy is to reduce pain and improve function. Trigger point dry needling works by stimulating the body’s natural healing process, releasing endorphins and other neurochemicals that help reduce inflammation and relax the muscles.
For people with myofascial pain syndrome, dry needling can provide lasting relief, decrease pain, and help reduce the need for medication. It is also especially useful for addressing more stubborn pain in areas such as the neck, shoulders and lower back that can be difficult to treat with traditional therapies alone.
How does it work?
When needles are inserted into myofascial trigger points, they can cause a local twitch response, which activates the body’s natural healing process. This leads to an increase in blood flow to the area which helps to flush out toxins and introduce fresh oxygen, relieving pain and improving muscle function.
What can I expect during a session?
During a trigger point dry needling session, the practitioner will insert thin needles into specific areas of the body. You may feel a slight prick as the needle is inserted, but this sensation usually fades quickly. This is the extent of it as an invasive procedure. Depending on your individual goals and needs, the session can last anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes.
What are the benefits of dry needling?
Dry needling is beneficial in improving range of motion, relieving pain, and increasing strength and stability. It can also reduce muscle spasms, decrease inflammation and nerve irritation, improve posture, and help with recovery from injury or surgery. It has also been found to reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality and even provide psychological benefits such as better moods. In addition, it can be used in combination with other treatments such as massage and physical therapy for more comprehensive results.
Dry Needling versus acupuncture
Dry needling is sometimes referred to as Western medical acupuncture, but this is incorrect. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been practised for thousands of years and is based on the principles of balance and energy flow. Dry needling, however, is a form of physical medicine that uses modern scientific theories to target specific muscular structures with the aim of alleviating pain and dysfunction. The two modalities are quite different in their approach and application, so it’s important to understand the difference between them. Always important to consult a qualified practitioner before deciding which therapy is best for you.