Dry Needling
Yes, it’s different to acupuncture!
Dry needling sometimes also called trigger point dry needling, is a technique used by some Doctors, Osteopaths and physiotherapists.
Dry needling differs from acupuncture because the practitioner is not aiming to effect the meridians or energy force. Instead, the practitioners aim to reduce areas of tension in the soft tissues of the body. To do this they insert thin solid needles through the skin into trigger points. Trigger points are areas of tension in muscle tissue that can cause discomfort or pain and that may cause referred pain (pain that affects another part of the body). The needles are used to stimulate the tissue and encourage a release in tension but not to inject any substance or medication. They may be inserted deep into the tissue or more superficially and for shorter or longer periods of time, depending on what type of condition is being treated and how long it has been present.
Some patients may experience different sensations when receiving dry needling, which may include: some muscle soreness, aching and a muscle twitch when the needle is inserted.
Dry needling will almost always be used as a part of a comprehensive treatment approach to your problem, in addition to other therapeutic techniques including manual therapy and exercise/stretching prescription.
Common conditions that respond well to Dry Needling include:
- Muscle tension and pain
- Joint problems
- Tendonitis
- Migraine and tension-type headaches
- Whiplash
- Repetitive motion disorders / Repetitive strain Injury (RSI) (like carpal tunnel syndrome)
- Spinal (cervical,thoracic or lumbar) pain
- Pelvic pain
- Shoulder complex issues
- Tennis/Golfers Elbow
- Postural strain
- Plantar Fasciitis
If you require any further information regarding how osteopathy may be beneficial for you please do not hesitate to contact us