What is dry needling good for?
Dry Needling is used as a complementary technique for the gentle and effective treatment of muscle aches, pains and dysfunction from hyper-irritated muscle tissue. It serves as a quick relief for muscular pains, muscle spasm, muscle tightness, trigger points and is often used in conjunction with soft tissue work and mobilisation of the affected joints. This technique involves the use of acupuncture needles to release trigger points and tight muscle bands. The needle is inserted into the muscle fibres where it remains until the muscle begins to give signs that the muscle has relaxed in tension. It is a safe treatment technique when performed by a qualified practitioner. The dry needling helps in the relaxation of the muscle and promotes increased blood flow to the area being treated which then brings with it more nutrients to the area which promotes improved recovery times of healing. People who receive dry needling often feel more energised with a sense of relaxation and overall health and well being.
What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?
Acupuncture is derived from eastern medicine which incorporates use of energy channels known as meridians and organ systems and dates back thousands of years. Dry needling is modern medicines approach to acupuncture whereby known soft tissues in trauma are treated directly and without the use of meridians.
Is dry needling painful?
Dry needling can sometimes be painful. Different areas of the body are more sensitive than others in general and may also vary from person to person.
How long is a dry needling session?
Usually no more than 45 minutes.
What happens when dry needling hits a nerve?
A patient will usually twitch which is quite obvious through the involuntary movement of a muscle.
Can dry needling make things worse?
Sometimes patients can become stimulated by the dry needling which can flare up a condition first before it begins to get better.
Does dry needling actually work?
Yes. Dry Needling is used as a complementary technique for the gentle and effective treatment of muscle aches, pains and dysfunction from hyper-irritated muscle tissue. It serves as a quick relief for muscular pains, muscle spasm, muscle tightness, trigger points and is often used in conjunction with soft tissue work and mobilisation of the affected joints.
What are the risks of dry needling?
Bleeding, pain, bruising and swelling.
How deep do dry needles go?
There are varying lengths of dry needles available some will only go in 1cm eg. for the hand. Whereas for the glute these needles may go in 7cm.
How often should you do dry needling?
This depends on your condition and the practitioners clinical judgement.
Should you exercise after dry needling?
You can exercise if desired. If anything this treatment should improve exercise performance.
Should I stretch after dry needling?
You may, however this is not necessary.
What should you do after dry needling?
You may go back to performing whatever tasks you would usually perform but ask your clinician first.
How many needles are used in dry needling?
This depends on the condition.
What happens to muscles during dry needling?
This technique involves the use of acupuncture needles to release trigger points and tight muscle bands. The needle is inserted into the muscle fibres where it remains until the muscle begins to give signs that the muscle has relaxed in tension. It is a safe treatment technique when performed by a qualified practitioner. The dry needling helps in the relaxation of the muscle and promotes increased blood flow to the area being treated which then brings with it more nutrients to the area which promotes improved recovery times of healing. People who receive dry needling often feel more energised with a sense of relaxation and overall health and well being.
Does dry needling help tight muscles?
This technique involves the use of acupuncture needles to release trigger points and tight muscle bands. The needle is inserted into the muscle fibres where it remains until the muscle begins to give signs that the muscle has relaxed in tension. It is a safe treatment technique when performed by a qualified practitioner. The dry needling helps in the relaxation of the muscle and promotes increased blood flow to the area being treated which then brings with it more nutrients to the area which promotes improved recovery times of healing. People who receive dry needling often feel more energised with a sense of relaxation and overall health and well being.
What is dry needling for back pain?
When dry needling is applied to the area of concern which helps in the relaxation of the muscle and promotes increased blood flow to the area being treated which then brings with it more nutrients to the area which promotes improved recovery times of healing. People who receive dry needling often feel more energised with a sense of relaxation and overall health and well being.
Can I run after dry needling?
Yes, you may go back to performing whatever tasks you would usually perform but ask your clinician first.
Does dry needling help inflammation?
Yes it may help inflammation through increasing blood flow to the area which will bring with it more nutrients and promote more rapid healing.
Can dry needling help sciatica pain?
If it is due to muscle spasm, dry needling can help.
Is dry needling evidence based?
Yes, there are multiple studies showing the efficacy of dry needling.
What happens when a trigger point is released?
Increased blood flow occurs in the area affected which brings with it more nutrients which promotes more rapid healing. In addition lengthening of muscle fibres can occur which can create increased muscle length and improve the attached joints range of motion.
Can dry needling cause infection?
If the needles being used are not sterile then yes.
Does dry needling get rid of knots?
It can assist in reducing adhesionous tissue.
How long does dry needling results last?
Potentially forever if patient compliance with take home exercises and lifestyle advice is adhered to.
Is dry needling good for bulging disc?
It can help to reduce inflammation around the bulging disc and therefore reduce associated symptoms to some degree.
Can dry needling help nerve damage?
Where the damage is quite new and not long standing dry needling may show small improvements in nerve damage cases.
Should I ice after dry needling?
Generally no, however where inflammation has occurred as a result then ice may be applied to the affected area.
What do you wear for dry needling?
Defending on the area affected you may be required to remove items of clothing so the practitioner can access the area in question.
What is wet needling?
Is a term used to describe when a substance is injected into a patient via a needle eg. a cortisone shot.
What is dry needling for shoulder pain?
When dry needling is applied to the area of concern which helps in the relaxation of the muscle and promotes increased blood flow to the area being treated which then brings with it more nutrients to the area which promotes improved recovery times of healing. People who receive dry needling often feel more energised with a sense of relaxation and overall health and well being.
Who performs dry needling?
Chiropractors, Physiotherapists, Osteopaths and Medical Doctors.
Can chiropractors dry needle?
Yes. Chiropractors are well trained in where needling is to occur.
Which is better dry needling or acupuncture?
Acupuncture is derived from eastern medicine which incorporates use of energy channels known as meridians and organ systems and dates back thousands of years. Dry needling is modern medicines approach to acupuncture whereby known soft tissues in trauma are treated directly and without the use of meridians. One technique can work better for some over others.
Why do chiropractors use needles?
Not all Chiropractors use needles. Those who use needles apply it as an adjunct therapy to regular Chiropractic treatment.
Can chiropractors do trigger point injections?
Whilst Chiropractors can perform dry needling to trigger points, injecting substances into patients is not permitted by Chiropractors.
How do you feel after dry needling?
Patients may report a feeling of lightness, pain relief and improved function of the area that was treated.