Dry Needling
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a physiotherapy technique used to relieve muscle pain and tension. By inserting thin needles into tight muscles, this treatment helps release muscle spasms, improve blood flow, and reduce pain.
How does dry needling work?
- Assessment: We will conduct a thorough evaluation to identify trigger points, muscle tightness, and areas of pain.
- Needle insertion: Thin, sterile needles are inserted into the identified trigger points or tight muscles.
- Local twitch response: The insertion of needles induces a local twitch response, resulting in brief muscle contractions. This response helps release muscle tension and alleviate pain.
- Pain relief: Dry needling promotes pain relief by reducing muscle tension, increasing blood flow to the area, and stimulating the nervous system. It also triggers the release of endorphins, providing natural pain relief.
- Inflammation reduction: Dry needling’s micro-trauma stimulates the immune system to release anti-inflammatory agents, effectively reducing swelling and inflammation.
Who can benefit from dry needling?
Dry needling is an effective treatment for:
- Headaches: It relieves tension headaches and migraines by targeting trigger points in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, releasing muscle tension and improving circulation.
- Neck pain: Dry needling addresses neck pain caused by muscle strain or poor posture, releasing tight muscles and easing stiffness.
- Lower back pain: It helps deactivate trigger points in the lower back, reducing muscle tightness, spasms, and discomfort.
- TMJ (Temporomandibular joint) dysfunction: Dry needling targets the jaw, face, and neck muscles, relieving tension, improving jaw function, and reducing pain associated with TMJ dysfunction.
Are there any risks involved in dry needling?
Serious side effects or injury from dry needling are rare, but some risks are involved. You should consult with your doctor if you are pregnant, have an immune-system disorder, are on blood thinners, or have a fear of needles. A bit of soreness after dry needling is normal and nothing to worry about.
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