Unlike acupuncture, Dry Needling focuses on releasing trigger points – those tight knots in your muscles that can cause local and referred pain, stiffness, and weakness. By inserting fine, sterile needles into these specific points, we can:
✅ Reduce pain and muscle tension
✅ Improve blood flow and healing
✅ Restore range of motion
✅ Accelerate recovery from injuries
Dry Needling is a safe and effective treatment for a range of conditions, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, sports injuries, and more.
The Benefits of Dry Needling
Dry needling can offer a range of benefits for various musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Pain Relief: Effective in reducing localised and referred pain associated with muscle trigger points.
Improved Range of Motion: By releasing muscle tightness and restrictions, it can help restore normal joint movement.
Reduced Muscle Spasms: Can alleviate involuntary muscle contractions and associated pain.
Faster Recovery: By promoting blood flow and tissue healing, it can aid in the recovery process from injuries.
Improved Function: By addressing pain and movement limitations, it can help you return to your daily activities and hobbies more comfortably.
Headache and Jaw Pain Relief: Can be beneficial for certain types of headaches and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction related to muscle tension.
Sports Injury Management: A valuable tool in addressing muscle imbalances, pain, and movement restrictions in athletes.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling involves the insertion of thin, sterile, single-use needles into specific trigger points or taut bands within muscles. These trigger points are often described as knots or tight areas that can cause local pain, referred pain (pain felt in another area of the body), muscle weakness, and restricted movement.
Unlike acupuncture, which is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles and focuses on energy pathways (meridians), dry needling is grounded in Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles. The goal of dry needling is to:
Release Trigger Points: The mechanical stimulation of the needle can help to disrupt the chemical and mechanical holding patterns within the trigger point, leading to muscle relaxation and pain reduction.
Improve Blood Flow: The insertion of the needle can stimulate local blood flow to the area, bringing oxygen and nutrients to promote healing and tissue regeneration.
Reduce Muscle Spasm and Tension: By affecting the nerve endings and muscle fibres, dry needling can help to decrease muscle tightness and spasms.
Modulate Pain Signals: The needling process can influence the way the nervous system perceives pain, potentially reducing both local and referred pain.
Who is Dry Needling Suitable For?
Dry needling can be a beneficial treatment option for individuals experiencing a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including but not limited to:
Muscle Pain and Stiffness: Including back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and hip pain.
Headaches and Migraines: Particularly those with a cervicogenic (neck-related) component.
Sciatica and Nerve Pain: May help alleviate pain associated with nerve compression due to muscle tightness.
Sports Injuries: Such as muscle strains, tendinitis, and ligament sprains.
Repetitive Strain Injuries: Like carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow.
Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinopathy: Addressing muscle imbalances and pain in the lower limb.
Post-Surgical Pain and Scar Tissue: Can help improve mobility and reduce pain associated with surgical recovery.
FAQs
Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
No, while both techniques use thin needles, they are based on different principles. Dry needling focuses on musculoskeletal trigger points and neurophysiological responses, while acupuncture addresses energy pathways (meridians) based on Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Does dry needling hurt?
The sensation of dry needling can vary. Some people may feel a slight prick or a brief, localised twitch or cramp within the muscle (known as a “local twitch response”), which is often a therapeutic sign. This sensation is usually brief and well-tolerated. I will always communicate with you throughout the treatment to ensure your comfort.
Is dry needling safe?
Yes, when performed by a trained and qualified practitioner like myself, dry needling is a safe procedure. Sterile, single-use needles are always used, minimising the risk of infection.
Are there any side effects?
Some people may experience mild and temporary side effects after dry needling, such as localised soreness, bruising, or mild bleeding at the insertion site. These usually resolve within 24-48 hours
What should I do after a dry needling session?
It’s generally recommended to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity for a few hours, and gently move the treated area to help alleviate any post-treatment soreness.
Can I receive dry needling if I am pregnant or have other medical conditions?
It’s important to inform me of any pre-existing medical conditions, including pregnancy, and any medications you are taking. We will discuss whether dry needling is appropriate for you based on your individual circumstances.