Dry Needling
Dry needling (DN) is a technique used in conjunction with other manual techniques to release soft tissues using a thin, sterile single use needle. The most common use of dry needling is to target a muscles trigger point (taut band of muscle fibres) to enhance healing, promote circulation, and release. A twitch response may be elicited which is often the desired effect of needling.
Acupuncture and dry needling use the same needles however differ in their approach of use. Acupuncture aims to affect the body holistically by inserting needles within points of ‘Qi’ blockages to encourage flow of the bodies energy systems. Dry needling however, is more specific where needles are inserted into muscle, tendon, or fascia.
Some conditions where dry needling may be helpful include:
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain
- Scar tissue build up
- Achilles tendinitis
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
- Chronic Pain
- Headaches
- Temporo-mandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction
At Meadowbrook Physiotherapy Clinic, our Practitioners have undertaken further training in administering safe and effective dry needling techniques. Although not meant for all, this type of treatment may be useful for some in conjunction with massage and manipulation.
