Dry Needling
What is Dry Needling?
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Dry Needling is a technique used by trained professionals with the aim of decreasing pain and dysfunction and improving muscle function. By inserting sterile, single use, fine, stainless steel needles into hypersensitive myofascial trigger points, a local twitch response can be triggered. This sets off a series of reactions that stimulate an inflammatory response, deactivating trigger points. This decreases discomfort by reducing muscle shortening, alleviating pressure on the nerve and modifying muscular tension which interrupts the pain cycle.
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Does Dry Needling hurt?
Like any therapy, Dry Needling can be uncomfortable and each patient will likely have a different experience. As mentioned above, a twitch response can be elicited for a few seconds which feels like a small cramp. As the aim of dry needling is to find hypersensitive myofascial trigger points, a dull ache is a normal response when a needle is inserted. Post needling, a dull ache, bruising and redness area common side effects for 24-48 hours.
Dr Abbey can perform Dry Needling in conjunction with adjustments and soft tissue work by booking a long consultation appointment. If you have any questions or queries please speak to one of our chiropractors; they are more than happy to assist you.
What Can Dry Needling Treat?
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Neck, back and shoulder pain
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Arm pain (tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, golfer’s elbow)
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Tension headaches
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Knee and foot pain
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Buttock and leg pain (sciatica, hamstring strains, calf tightness/spasms)
Is it Similar to Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is used to treat traditional chinese medical diagnoses of visceral and systemic dysfunction, while dry needling is used to assess and treat myofascial pain. Dry needling relieves pain by inactivating trigger points which relieves tension and tightness.
Are There Any Risks?
As with any medical intervention, there are some associated risks. It may involve minor bleeding and bruising, and it may not be ideal for those with bleeding disorders or recent surgery in the area to receive dry needling treatment. Very rare complications include infection and pneumothorax (when the needled area is over the lung field).
The chiropractor will screen you for contraindications prior to intervention in order to minimize associated risks.