Dry Needling
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is the insertion of a solid needle into a muscle, tendon or ligament. The needle elicits a response by the tissues such as a muscle twitch, which in turn dilates blood vessels and increases the delivery of oxygenated blood to the muscle, and activates the sympathetic nervous system influencing the body’s pain response.
Electrotherapeutic dry needling involves an electrical current flowing between two filiform needles which are inserted into a muscle, tendon or ligament. The electrical pulse creates a contraction which can reduce muscle tension and pain, increase nerve function and improve the healing process of tendinopathies or ligament sprains.
The benefits of Dry needling include:
- Pain relief: Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of dry needling in reducing musculoskeletal pain, including chronic low back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain. By reducing muscle tension, dry needling can provide significant pain relief.
- Improved muscle function: Research suggests that dry needling can improve muscle function by reducing muscle stiffness, increasing flexibility, and restoring proper muscle activation patterns. This can be particularly beneficial for athletes or individuals recovering from injuries who seek to optimise their performance and movement patterns.
- Enhanced range of motion: Dry needling has been shown to increase joint mobility and range of motion in various musculoskeletal conditions, such as frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, and plantar fasciitis. By reducing muscle tension, dry needling can help patients regain mobility and flexibility.
- Reduction in muscle tension: Electrotherapeutic dry needling, which combines dry needling with electrical stimulation, has been found to be effective in reducing myofascial restriction. This combination therapy can enhance the effects of dry needling by providing additional stimulation to the affected tissues.
- Faster recovery from injuries: Dry needling has been shown to accelerate the healing process and promote tissue repair by increasing blood flow to the injured area and stimulating the release of growth factors. This can lead to a faster recovery and reduced downtime for individuals recovering from acute injuries or undergoing rehabilitation.
- Complementary treatment with Osteopathic care: Dry needling can complement osteopathic treatments by addressing specific musculoskeletal issues that may contribute to pain and dysfunction. Integrating dry needling into an osteopathic treatment plan can enhance the overall effectiveness of therapy and improve patient outcomes.
*Remember, everyone is different and the benefits of Dry needling treatment may vary. It’s important to speak with our team to determine if it’s right for you.
What conditions can Dry Needling help with?
Dry Needling can be used to help manage and treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Tendinopathies
- Ligament sprains
- Muscle pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Chronic pain conditions
- Nerve pain
- Athletic performance
- Muscle strains
