Dry Needling

What is dry needling?

Dry needling involves inserting extremely thin, sterile needles into myofascial trigger points. Commonly called knots (we’ve all felt them!), myofascial trigger points are found in muscles and fascia. People usually report experiencing tightness, localised pain and/or referred pain.

How does dry needling work?

When inserted into tender taut bands in muscles known as myofascial trigger points, the needle will cause the relaxation of muscle constriction in that band and its associated symptoms.

The effects include the promotion of local healing, the reduction of pain and is effectively used to inactivate myofascial trigger points and tightness.

Your podiatrist will locate the most sensitive/tender trigger points in the muscles for needling.

What causes a Myofascial Trigger Point?

Trigger points can be caused by:

Direct trauma to muscle
Prolonged protective functioning of muscle and protective function not releasing when no longer needed
Biomechanical stress
Overuse/overload
Nutritional/metabolic imbalances may increase predisposition and severity of condition

What is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?

While the needles used for dry needling and acupuncture are the same, these treatment options are actually quite different. Acupuncture is a popular Traditional Chinese Medicine practice, which has been used for thousands of years. In acupuncture, needles are inserted into specific sites (acupuncture points) along the body’s meridians to clear energy blockages and facilitate the flow of qi (energy) through the individual.

In dry needling, needles are inserted directly into myofascial trigger points to relieve tension, reduce pain and improve function. This technique is much more specific.

Does dry needling hurt?

The needles we use are so thin that you’ll barely even feel them. Some people don’t feel them at all. They are not designed to hurt you but rather help improve pain in parts of your body.