What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling uses thin needles inserted into the muscle/ myofascial trigger points to release muscle tension and promote healing. This releases trigger points (tiny knots that form in skeletal muscle) which relieve any muscle pain or spasms.
Trigger points can cause pain in the muscle or other areas of the body (referred pain) when they become aggravated. They can be aggravated by overuse, repetitive motions, poor posture and many other imbalances. They are also common around arthritic joints.
What does Dry Needling treat?
Dry needling can provide relief for muscular pain and stiffness. In easing trigger points you can also increase blood flow, flexibility and range of motion. Some common conditions we see in clinic include:
Myofascial pain
Neck pain/ tension headaches
Whiplash
Glute/ piriformis syndrome
Low back pain
Lower limb issues
Knee pain
Upper limb issues
And many, many more
Difference between Dry Needling and Acupuncture:
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine. It involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body that are connected to energy pathways, or meridians, that can help restore body balance.
Dry needling uses thin needles, similar to acupuncture, inserted into the muscle/ myofascial trigger points to release muscle tension and promote healing.