Dry needling has been around for many years as a treatment to combat acute or chronic pain. Widely recognised as a subset of Western acupuncture, dry needling involves inserting fine filament needles into muscular trigger points that are direct sources of pain to restore normal muscle movement.
At Fairfield Physiotherapy we offer dry needling for a range of conditions so if you are experiencing acute or chronic pain, or are just a little curious, we recommend making an appointment to learn more about the process and benefits of dry needling.
First, we’ll give you a quick summary of the ins and outs of dry needling.
Where Does Dry Needling Come From?
Dry needling takes its cue from acupuncture, a traditional form of treatment in Chinese Medicine that is used to align and modify the flow of Qi = energy. Qi circulates through the body along twelve pathways, the meridian lines, and acupuncturists believe that by inserting fine filament needles at specific pressure points along these pathways the flow of Qi is restored, with the result being relieved muscle tension, reduced pain and decreased stress. While acupuncture originated in Chinese medicine, the Westernised approach works on a different theory.
Dry needling is informed by acupuncture in its process and practice; however, its focus expands upon relieving tension in highly knotted muscles, as a kind of pain relief.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
Dry needling is a kind of trigger point therapy, which alleviates soft tissue tension and muscular tightness. Dry needling can be used to address back pain, referred pain, acute wry neck, headaches and muscular tension. Dry needling is done for several weekly sessions for its impact to be fully realised.
Overworked muscles can tighten and develop into knots, which are called myofascial trigger points. Dry needling attempts to deactivate myofascial trigger points through inserting needles into those areas of intense muscle tension. Needles are placed in certain locations along the muscles. Through this process, dry needling helps to release trigger points in spinal and peripheral areas. Working also to assist in the relief of the symptoms, the benefits of dry needling can include lessened pain, heightened flexibility and increased mobility.
Dry needling can be used as part of a broader injury treatment program. It is often effectively used at the outset of an injury treatment program to subdue muscle pattern imbalances or muscle spasms, disrupting and decreasing the pain cycle. It can also be a more comfortable alternative to deep tissue massage as a way of alleviating muscle pain and relaxing the overly contracted muscle. Many people who undergo a series of dry needling treatments often experience increased energy levels, enhanced sleeping, better appetite and a heightened sense of wellbeing.
Are you experiencing muscular pain or stress? Do you suffer from neurophysiological pain or muscle tension? Make an appointment with Adam Lincoln at Fairfield Physiotherapy to learn more and experience the benefits of dry needling.
