Dry Needling

WHAT IS DRY NEEDLING?

Dry Needling is a therapeutic treatment where a thin filament needle is inserted into a taut muscle that may contain a trigger point. Trigger points are tight tender knots which can cause pain, weakness and musculoskeletal imbalances. 

• The needle may be advanced a number of times in the one area. Often patients do not even feel the needle penetrate the skin. Once the needle advances into the muscle, it may feel like a muscle cramp and there may be a ‘twitch response”.
• This twitch response has a positive effect on symptoms and the tissue. Patients may feel a referral of pain or similar symptoms for which they are seeking treatment. This is affirmation of the location of the area being treated.

 This results in deactivating the trigger point, reducing pain and restoring normal length and function of the involved muscle. Positive results will be apparent within 2-4 treatment sessions but can vary depending on the cause and duration of the symptoms. It is an effective treatment for both acute and chronic pain. 

SPECIFIC TRAINING NEEDED FOR THIS PRACTICE

Dry needling is within the scope of practice of adequately trained physiotherapists. Professional continuing education is required which includes demonstration of competency in dry needling. Although Dry Needling uses the same needles as Acupuncture, it is not the same technique. Dry Needling is strictly based upon Western medicine principles of treating myofascial trigger points, which are different to traditional Acupuncture points. The physiotherapists using Dry Needling techniques at Milltown Physiotherapy have all undergone specific training, and it is recognised within the scope of physiotherapy.  

DRY NEEDLING TREATMENTS

FOR MUSCULOSKELETAL CONDITIONS

These are only a few examples of conditions which can be treated with Dry Needling; there are many more. The treatment of muscles with this technique has a huge effect on reducing pain mechanisms and breaking down pain cycles.

• Back and neck pain, including postural problems and tension
• Pelvic pain (chronic and acute)
• Pelvic floor problems
• Pelvic Girdle Pain
• Arm pain (shoulder impingements, tennis or golfer’s elbow)
• Headaches
• Back pain
• Buttock and leg pain (including sciatic pain)
• Hamstring strains
• Knee pain
• Calf tightness or cramps

 

FOR THE PELVIC FLOOR

Dry needling can be used in men and women who are suffering from pelvic pain and pelvic floor disorders. It may sometimes be the treatment of choice if other manual techniques are too painful. Dry needling may also help achieve improvement in symptoms more quickly. 

For more information

Visit our specialised website pelvicphysiotherapy.com