The information below explains the technique, Dry Needling, that has been offered to you.
What is Dry Needling physio treatment?
Dry needling is a medical treatment that uses thin, solid needles to stimulate muscles and soft tissues. It is a type of manual therapy that is used to treat pain and muscle dysfunction.
Dry needling is not acupuncture. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment that uses needles to stimulate specific points on the body. Dry needling, on the other hand, is a Western medicine technique that does not rely on the same theoretical framework.
Dry needling works by stimulating the release of chemicals that reduce pain and inflammation. It can also help to improve muscle function and range of motion.
Dry needling is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Muscle pain
- Trigger points
- Tension headaches
- Fibromyalgia
- Tennis elbow
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Low back pain
- Sciatica
Our physiotherapists are expertly trained
Your physiotherapist has been specifically trained in the various needling techniques. Appropriate needle length and thickness will be chosen by your physiotherapist appropriately for your condition and body size and it will then be inserted through the skin in the appropriate place. You will feel a small pinprick and depending on the type of needle technique chosen you may also feel a muscle ache and possibly one or more small muscle twitches. These are normal sensations to experience during Dry Needling.
There is very little risk associated with Dry Needling if performed properly by a trained physiotherapist. You may experience small bruising around the needle site as with any injection. Rarely, you may have an emotional response and become happy, teary, sweaty or cold. These effects are short-lived.
If you are being treated in the neck, chest or shoulder area there is an additional risk that involves your lung. A pneumothorax (air in the space around the lung) may develop if the lung is punctured. This is a serious but rare condition for which you should go directly to hospital for. Symptoms of this include shortness of breath which worsens, sudden sharp pain with breathing, inability to “catch your breath” and bluish colouring to the lips. Medical treatment is highly effective for this rare complication.
When to use this technique
We use this physiotherapy treatment technique for:
- Pain and dysfunction caused by muscles
- Sinusitis or sinuses
- Headaches
- Nerves
- Muscle spasms
- Trigger points (knots)
- Relieve pain
What is the difference between Dry Needling physio treatment and acupuncture?
Dry needling and acupuncture are two distinct therapies involving thin needles for therapeutic purposes. Dry needling, used in physiotherapy, targets specific muscle trigger points to relieve pain and improve musculoskeletal function. It focuses on addressing issues like muscle pain and tightness, performed by trained healthcare professionals. Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese practice, aims to balance energy flow (qi) through meridians to promote overall wellness. Acupuncturists or Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners use specific acupuncture points for treatment. Both therapies use needles, but the choice between them should be made with guidance from a qualified healthcare professional, considering individual needs and regulations.
At Williams & Locke Physiotherapists we have undergone special training to ensure that our dry needling treatments are well executed with maximum effectiveness.