Dry Needling
Understanding Dry Needling: What It Is and How It Works
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used to treat muscle pain and tension. It involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific trigger points—knots or tight areas in the muscle tissue.
Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is based on Western medical principles and aims to relieve pain and improve function.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
1. Targeting Trigger Points
The primary goal of dry needling is to target myofascial trigger points. These points are often painful and can lead to referred pain, where discomfort is felt in a different area of the body. By inserting a needle into these trigger points, the therapist can help release muscle tension, improve blood flow, and stimulate the healing process.
2. Inducing a Local Twitch Response
When the needle is inserted into a trigger point, it may cause a local twitch response in the muscle. This involuntary reaction is a sign that the muscle is responding to the treatment. The twitch helps to reset the muscle, reducing tension and promoting relaxation.
3. Promoting Healing
Dry needling stimulates the body’s natural healing processes. The insertion of the needle increases blood circulation to the area, which helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients necessary for recovery.
Does Dry Needling hurt?
Some people can feel a slight discomfort as the needle enters a trigger point, but this is mild and settles quickly. You may experience a twitch or muscle cramp, this is a great sign as it indicates that your muscle is about to relax.
You may experience some increase in local discomfort or tenderness for 24-48hrs after dry needling has been performed.
What conditions might benefit from dry needling?
Tennis/golfers elbow
Back and neck pain
Headaches
RSI conditions
Joint sprains
Piriformis syndrome
Rotator cuff injuries
Acute sporting injuries
Chronic pain conditions
Shin splints
Your skilled Osteopath will use Dry Needling as a complement and adjunct to Osteopathic treatment if they believe it is appropriate.