Dry Needling

Dry Needling

Dry Needling Therapy

Dry needling works by stimulating the normal healing process of muscles and surrounding tissues by inserting sterile needles into the muscle to relieve pain. This increases blood flow and brings essential nutrients into the muscle tissue, helping to release the knot and allow the muscle to relax completely. It also helps to accelerate healing. It is called dry needling because there is no fluid injected into the muscle. Muscles become knotted when they are overworked or held in a position that does not allow them to relax. This means the muscle is held in a contracted position, which creates an area of irritable muscle. Muscle knots cause pain and also impair how well the muscle can work. Dry needling is useful in reducing pain and improving movement in most conditions.


Dry needling can help with:

  • neck pain
  • headaches
  • whiplash
  • lower back pain
  • sciatica
  • sports related overuse injuries
  • muscle strains / tears, for example the thigh or calf
  • hip or shoulder bursitis
  • tendon issues throughout the body eg shoulder, hip, knee or heel
  • shin splints
  • tennis elbow
  • frozen shoulder
  • knee pain
  • post-traumatic injuries eg work or vehicle related
  • post-surgical pain
  • chronic pain conditions

 

What to expect during your visit?

Your physiotherapist will explain why dry needling is appropriate for you and how it will help based on your conditions and potential risks. Your treatment area will be sterilised and the needles are then expertly inserted into the muscle and left for 1-2 minutes. Note that most people report no discomfort during the dry needling process.