DRY NEEDLING
Dry Needling
What is Dry Needling?
Dry Needling is a unique procedure intended to specifically target and restore muscle function, with an emphasis on improving tissue healing and restoring normal tissue function. This is important, as continued activity with poor muscle function may lead to further tissue damage and increased pain. When combined with manual treatment, dry needling can be an influential method to accelerate pain reduction, healing and the restoration of normal tissue function.
How does it work?
Dry Needling uses a very fine, solid filament needle to cause a small, precise injury in the tissue when it enters the body. The tiny needle induces injury signals to the brain uses to initiate a sequence of events to replace or repair the damaged tissue. Needling in a painful trigger point or knot provokes a twitch response from the muscle. Once a twitch response ha been elicited, the muscle fibres in that area relax, inflammation in that area is reduced and circulation improves. As a result of these processes, dry needling can purposely address muscles, tendons and ligaments.
What will I feel?
Generally, needle insertion is not felt, the local twitch response may provoke a slight spasm. During the treatment patients commonly experience heaviness in the limbs or a pleasant feeling or relaxation. Following this technique, some muscle soreness may be felt up to 24-48 hours. Drinking plenty of fluids usually reduces the soreness. Dry needling is a very safe treatment. The needles are individually packaged, single use and sterile. The needles are very fine, and rarely does any bleeding or bruising occur at the insertion site.
Do I need it?
Dry needling Is the modality of choice when it comes to treating acute injuries, muscle spasms and muscle imbalances. It is very common to initiate dry needling at the beginning of your treatment programme in order to break the pain cycle. Once that is achieved, other treatment options are introduced.
Benefits
The benefits of dry needling frequently include more than just relief from just a particular condition. Many people find that it can also lead to increase energy levels, better appetite and sleep, as well as enhanced sense of overall wellbeing.