What is Dry Needling?

Dry Needling is a specialised technique which clinical research has proven to be an effective form of treatment for a variety of ailments

With Dry Needling, the needles are used to target the trigger point of the problem muscle, this is known as the myofascial trigger point and is often described as a muscle ‘knot’ which contributes to muscle pain and dysfunction.

The needle is gently inserted into the skin directly at this point and often a local twitch response is experienced, this is a good sign and is what the Physiotherapist is looking for. It means the trigger point has been stimulated, jump starting the muscle and nerve supply and increasing the blood flow to the area which helps to relax the muscle.  When this local twitch response occurs, a brief painful response might be felt but it won’t last for more than a second.

After dry needling treatment, the area that was treated will feel much softer and relaxed and the person will feel looser.

Although the needles used are the same as those used in acupuncture the principles of treatment with dry needling are much different.