Dry Needling

About Dry Needling

ABOUT DRY NEEDLING

Dry needling is used to relieve muscle tightness and muscle spasm. This in turn helps to relieve tension and stress in the particular areas being treated. This method of treatment is extremely useful for those that have suffered from long term shoulder/neck or low back pain. Tension headaches are also effectively treated using dry needling.

Dry needling is particularly useful when used in conjunction with cold laser and chiropractic Adjustments.

Many people think that dry needling means acupuncture but in fact, they’re not the same. Acupuncture is a treatment practised in traditional Chinese medicine which is based on a body’s energy flow (“Qi” energy).

PATIENT RESPONSES

Many patients respond positively to dry needling almost immediately, finding that the problem muscles are less taut and contracted, and that they are able to move with more freedom – however in some cases, it may take up to 48 hours for the benefits to be felt.

Dry needling is particularly useful when used in conjunction with cold laser and chiropractic Adjustments.

TRIGGER POINTS

Dry needling involves inserting needles in trigger points, tendons, ligaments, skin and other soft tissues. The most common form of dry needling is needling to the trigger points, which is the tender “knot” in the muscle.

Dry needling is used to eradicate “trigger points” in the muscle system swiftly and effectively.

Trigger points in muscles can be caused by emotional stress, postural strain, trauma, fatigue, altered breathing patterns, sleep deprivation, infections and mineral deficiencies.

Once a trigger point is established it can become self-perpetuating and can persist for decades until it is adequately released. If the trigger point is not released, it can lead to altered joint motion and be the cause of recurring neck, hip and, low back pain.

Dry needling can physically break down the trigger points, “resetting” the muscle and allowing for full strength and range of movement to return.

PROBLEMS DRY NEEDLING CAN HELP WITH

Chronic back or neck pain
Migraines and headaches
Sports injuries
Tennis elbow
Repetitive strain injuries

Work related injuries
Motor vehicle injuries
Nerve root pain
Tight muscles
Ankle pain
Knee pain

Every treatment comes with the risk and it is the same with dry needling. There can be mild side effects such as tiredness or drowsiness for some people. Your chiropractor will discuss these with you to make sure it is ok for you to have dry needling before any treatment commences.

HOW DOES DRY NEEDLING WORK?

Compared to normal tissue, a high concentration of chemicals which cause pain can be found in the trigger points. When the needle goes into the trigger point, it helps to normalise these chemical levels. Therefore, this helps to release muscle contraction and results in decreased pain.

It can help to increase blood flow to the area to promote healing.
It can regulate nerve communication in the nervous system to block the pain signal coming from the brain.
Needling to an area away from the pain may block the pain signal from the affected area.