Dry Needle Therapy:

 

Dry needling is a broad term used to differentiate “non-injection”  needling from the practice of “injection needling” which utilises a hypodermic syringe and usually involves the injection of an agent such as saline, local anaesthetic or corticosteroid into the tissue or specific anatomical structures.  In contrast to this, dry needling involves introducing a fine, sterile needle, (as is used in the practice of acupuncture)  into “trigger points” of muscles, and relies on the stimulation of specific reactions in the target tissue for its therapeutic effect. The approach is based on Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles and is not to be confused with Chinese Acupuncture.  A trigger point is defined as a tight, irritable and painful spot within a muscle.  Trigger points can cause referred pain, headaches, poor muscle and nerve 

function and “autonomic” responses such as temperature and skin changes over the site of the problem. Trigger points are commonly seen in both acute and long term pain conditions. Dry needling alleviates the symptoms of trigger points quickly and effectively by eliciting a twitch response. You may feel the twitch response as an odd cramp like sensation which then re-sets the chemical imbalance between the muscles and nerves to cause an instant decrease in muscle tension.

 

Dry needling appears to be particularly beneficial for treating:

~ over-use injuries (RSI) ~ frozen shoulder ~ tennis elbow ~ shin-splints

~ sporting injuries ~ low back pain ~ muscle tightness ~ headaches and

~ migraines.  

 

Dry needling is performed by only certain practioners within the clinic,

and may be recommended as a part of your myotherapy or

osteopathy treatment. If you think DNT may be of use to you, 

please mention your interest when booking.