Dry Needling

Dry needling is a powerful therapeutic technique to treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. It involves inserting a thin acupuncture needle into specific points in the muscle, known as trigger points. These are areas of hyperirritability and often hypoxia within the muscle which can cause pain and muscle tightness. The needle has a normalizing affect by relaxing, elongating and resetting the muscle to allow the proper circulation of nutrients to the muscle’s cells. Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and aims to balance energy flow, dry needling is based on modern anatomical and neurophysiological principles.

 During a dry needling session, the Chiropractor inserts the needle into the trigger point, sometimes causing a twitch response in the muscle. This twitch response is believed to help reset the muscle's neuromuscular function and reduce pain. The technique is typically performed with the patient in a relaxed position, and the needle insertion is relatively quick and minimally invasive.

Overall, dry needling is considered a valuable tool and has the advantage of being able to get past the superficial muscles, to the deeper layer of muscles if necessary. Dry Needling is quick, and for most patients, the effects are felt immediately. 

NB: Dry Needling is not suitable for patients who have a history of needle phobia or feinting.