Dry Needling is a successful medical treatment which uses thin needles inserted into the muscle without any medication to achieve its aim. Dry Needling is used to treat pain and dysfunction caused by muscular problems, and some nerve problems.
Acupuncture and Dry needling vary in many ways! Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine which is based on inserting fine needling into specific predetermined energy lines in the body. However, dry needling is a western medicine therapy technique that uses needles inserted into trigger points in the client, these insertion points are individual and specific to the individuals required need.
There is a clear scientific understanding of dry needling.
Dry Needling works by targeting specific myofascial trigger points in the muscle to assist in changing the way your body senses pain (neurological effects), and by helping the body heal stubborn muscle spasm. It is important to see the needles as just one part of your overall rehabilitative treatment and is important to be used alongside active therapy such as Exercise Physiology.
Dry needling is not a miracle cure. It is vital that you do the exercises and follow the advice your therapist gives you in conjunction with the needling, application of ice, stretches and applications of heat for optimal recovery. It is important to remember Dry needling is an invasive therapy and should only be used when other therapy modalities such as exercise have been trialed first to achieve the desired effect.
Dry needling is not an instant cure and may take 3-5 sessions to see meaningful changes, everybody’s body will react differently to this treatment. Your therapist has been specifically trained in the various needling techniques. The therapist will choose a length and thickness of needle appropriate for your condition and your body size, and then insert it through the skin at the appropriate place.
You will feel a small pinprick. Depending on the type of needle technique chosen by your therapist, you may also feel a muscle ache and/or a muscle twitch. These are all normal and good sensations expected in dry needling.
At The Next Step Recovery and Wellness Centre in Melbourne, our mission is to provide tailored programs and services for athletes recovering from spinal cord injuries and neurological conditions. Our Athlete Scholarship Program secures generous funding for athletes without financial support.
