What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling involves inserting an acupuncture needle into a trigger point. A trigger point consists of multiple contractions within a muscle belly forming a knot. They are often tender and feel painful when pressed or squeezed. These trigger points are related to the production and maintenance of the pain cycle.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
Muscle spasm reduces blood flow in the muscle which means less oxygen and nutrients to the muscle. The resultant effect is a dying off of fibres and replacement by fibrous scar tissue. This in turn holds the muscle tight, prevents muscle metabolites from leaving the muscle and causes continued spasm and pain.
When a needle is inserted into muscle tissue, there is an influx of blood to the region. Blood carries all the nutrients which injured tissue needs to repair. The introduction of a needle into tight tissue also helps relax tight tissue.
The exact mechanism is not known but there are mechanical and biomechanical effects. Some studies have suggested that inserting a needle into trigger points can cause favourable biochemical changes which assist in reducing pain.
A typical scenario might be a patient who presents with recurrent elbow pain (e.g. tennis/golfers elbow). The trauma to the elbow from playing their sport, and the resultant pain signal, may have created what is known as a reflex arc. In short, a reflex arc is like a feedback loop that facilitates muscle spasm. In some cases the reflex arc may continue for years, or even decades. By introducing a new stimulus (the needle), this impedes the reflex arc and can relax the muscle.
What Conditions Can Dry Needling Help?
Dry needling, as an alternate pain management strategy, can fast track your recovery. In synergy with chiropractic care, it can assist in the treatment of a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Nearly anyone struggling with muscular pain can benefit from this treatment.
Conditions which respond to dry needling include, but are not limited to:
- Headaches
- Frozen Shoulder
- Tennis elbow
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Golfer’s elbow
- Buttock pain
- Leg pain
- Hamstring strains
- Shin splints
- Muscle Spasms
- Fibromyalgia
- Sciatic Pain
- Hip Pain
- Knee Pain
- Repetitive Strain Injuries
The Difference Between Dry Needling & Acupuncture
The term “dry needling” describes the use of needling in the Western physiological paradigm. It’s different from “acupuncture”, the use of needling in the Eastern paradigm, which includes a metaphysical/spiritual aspect. In the context of Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture helps to balance energy meridians that flow throughout the body in concentric circles.
Why Choose The Physicaltherapy Centre?
The Physicaltherapy Centre comprises a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about assisting patients regain their confidence and balance.
Our therapists have been trained through Integrated Dry Needling, arguably the most recognised institute for dry needling therapy in Australia. Graduates of the Integrated Dry Needling courses learn that the skill of handling needles is secondary to the skill of expert diagnosis. Therapists are trained to diagnose key areas of dysfunction prior to the insertion of needles. This ensures the patient receives the highest quality of care available.
We go that extra mile to ensure that you receive the finest possible treatment. Here’s why you should choose us:
- Highly qualified staff with extensive experience in dry needling.
- Tailor-made treatment plans for optimal results.
- Cutting-edge facilities and the latest therapeutic equipment.
- Committed to making your journey to recovery a positive experience.
- Patient-centred approach ensuring your comfort and satisfaction are prioritised.
If you are considering dry needling North Sydney treatment, please remember to bring appropriate clothing, so that the relevant areas of your body can be accessed, whilst still allowing yourself to feel comfortable in front of your practitioner.
What is it like having this treatment?
Generally, needle insertion is not felt, but the local twitch response may provoke a very brief pain response. This has been described as an electric shock or a cramping sensation. During treatment, patients commonly experience heaviness in the limbs or and/or a sensation of relaxation. Personally, in the past when I have had this treatment, it has never been painful — Tom Cartwright
Following a treatment, most patients report moderate soreness in the treated area and referral zones lasting from a few hours to two days. Side effects are very rare but when they occur, the most frequent and the most serious is that of a pneumothorax. This is where a needle pierces the lung leading to a full or partial collapse. This happens mostly when a needle is inserted into the trapezius muscle (shoulder) too deeply.
Typically, it requires several visits for a positive reaction to take place. The objective is to facilitate mechanical and biochemical changes without any medication. In turn a cumulative response is necessary to achieve a certain threshold after which the pain cycle is disturbed.
Take Control of Your Injury Today
Don’t let pain dictate your life any longer. Contact The Physicaltherapy Centre in North Sydney, and begin your journey to a healthier, mobility-filled, pain-free existence.
