Dry needling is a technique using fine single-use needles to release underlying myofascial trigger points in the muscles and fascia.
A myofascial trigger point is a painful and tight area within a muscle when actively irritated it can cause local and referred pain.
How does it work?
- Improve blood and oxygen supply to a muscle
- Stimulate healing response within a muscle
- Lengthen contracted muscles
- Desensitise nerve pathways carrying pain messages to the muscle
*Please note dry needling is NOT the same therapy as Chinese medicine acupuncture
Dry needling may help with:
- Tendinopathy such a tennis or golfers elbow
- Chronic pain
- Muscle tension
- Shoulder impingement
- Lower back pain
- Muscle strains
- Acute sporting injuries
- Hip pain
- Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain
- Headaches
Is dry needling painful?
Most people don’t feel the needle pierce the skin as the needle is so fine, but it may be uncomfortable when the needle enters the tight muscle or myofascial trigger point. A twitch response in the muscle may be felt, or a dull, heavy ache sensation which is temporary in nature.
Are there any side effects?
Like most hands-on treatments there may be some muscle soreness for 24-72 hours afterwards. Occasional bruising is possible. Please contact the clinic if any soreness lasts longer than expected. Your osteopath will discuss any potential adverse reactions specific to the area being needled during your appointment.
Osteopathy and dry needling
Further training is undertaken by our osteopaths who offer dry needling to perform this technique safely. Your osteopath will discuss if this technique may be helpful for you and can be used in conjunction with other osteopathic techniques to support your goals and management plan.
You can book in with our Osteopaths Dr Sarah Cust or Dr Bridie McNulty for dry needling.