Dry Needling

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a popular technique used by osteopaths and other healthcare professionals to relieve muscle pain and improve function. Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is rooted in Western medicine principles and focuses on treating musculoskeletal issues.

Dry needling involves inserting thin, sterile needles into trigger points (tight bands of muscle or knots under the skin). The needles cause a local twitch response within a trigger point, releasing the body’s pain-relieving chemicals. By inserting a needle into a muscle, the brain’s “pain gate” is closed and potentially resulting in increased blood flow, tension and pain relief in that specific area.

Dry needling is considered safe, effective, and consistent with the general scope of practice for physical therapists. Dry needling typically takes 5-15 minutes and is often part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes manual therapy, heat, exercise, and education. 


Benefits of Dry Needling
It helps alleviate chronic pain, including back pain, neck pain, and headaches.
It releases tight muscles, enhancing flexibility and range of motion. Promotes quicker healing of muscle injuries by boosting blood circulation and can help decrease inflammation in affected areas, leading to quicker recovery.

What to Expect During Treatment
Your first session will begin with a thorough assessment of your condition. The practitioner will identify the trigger points and discuss the treatment plan with you. The needle insertion is usually quick and causes minimal discomfort. Some patients might feel a slight twitch or cramp as the muscle reacts, but this is normal and indicates that the treatment is working.

Post-Treatment
After the session, you might experience mild soreness in the treated areas, similar to the feeling after an intense workout. This is temporary and should subside within a day or two. Drinking plenty of water and gentle stretching can help alleviate any discomfort.

Why Choose Dry Needling?
Dry needling offers a targeted approach to pain relief and muscle rehabilitation. It is especially beneficial for athletes and active individuals looking to enhance performance and prevent injuries. With minimal side effects and proven effectiveness, it’s a valuable tool in managing musculoskeletal pain.

If you’re considering dry needling, consult with a qualified osteopath to determine if it’s the right option for your specific needs. This treatment could be the key to unlocking a pain-free and more active lifestyle.

When is Dry Needling Used?
Dry needling can increase the range of motion in tight and hypertonic muscles. Other applications include: Joint problems like arthritis and bursitis. Back and hip pain, including disc degeneration and sciatica. Tendinitis. Scar tissue. Headaches. Whiplash. Repetitive motion disorders. Night cramps. Jaw and mouth problems such as toothache and temporomandibular joint dysfunction

Side Effects and Precautions
Common side effects include: Soreness during or after treatment. Minimal bleeding at insertion sites. Bruising. Fainting. Fatigue

Is Dry Needling Right for You?
Most people can undergo dry needling, but check with your doctor if you have:
Pregnancy (especially during the first trimester). Bleeding disorders. Vascular diseases
Lymphedema. Blood-thinning medication. Compromised immune system. Diabetes. Epilepsy

Dry needling is not recommended for individuals with open wounds, ongoing infections, impaired healing ability, bleeding disorders, or a fear of needles without consent. Dry needling offers a valuable treatment option for various musculoskeletal issues. If you think it might benefit you, consult a qualified osteopath to explore how it can be integrated into your treatment plan.

Stina Wangqvist is an osteopath based in the Northern Rivers, NSW (Lennox Head). If you are interested in finding out more information or would like to book an appointment, please contact the clinic by phone (0409 052 292) or book an appointment on this site.

---