DRY NEEDLING
What is dry needling?
Dry Needling is one of the treatment techniques that Physios can use to target and loosen off tissue tension in the muscles. It is proven that our bodies can spasm and gaurd with tight muscles in response to load put on it via Postural, psychological stress or repetitive injuries (sport or work related).
Is dry needling and acupuncture the same?
The only common thing between the two treatment approaches are the needles.
Acupuncture is based on ancient medicine where meridian lines/energy points are targeted. On the contrary.
Dry needling is based on Western Medicine as mentioned earlier on to target the sore spots.
In simpler terms, instead of using our hands, we can aim the needle to a very specific spot of tension on a certain muscle, which allows more mobility, releasing tension through the many layers of the muscle tissue.
We use dry needling to increase the flexibility of muscles and for quicker recovery from pain and injury.
How does dry needling work?
Dry needling causes the muscle to contract briefly, which is always a reaction the Physio is after. This Leads to stimulating blood flow and healing processes to break down the tissue tension in and around the sore area.
Dry Needling can give you some AMAZING results in reducing your pain and getting you moving again! It really does achieve something that our hands just can not!
Can anyone be needled?
A consent form is undertaken before practicing needling at our clinic. This is to ensure that we tick all the boxes and checks before needling you. There are some instances where the treatment can be modified or we may need a GP clearance. Your Physio will thoroughly assess you prior to dry needling.
Refer to the following consent form for a bit more information..
Contraindications:
Do you have Congenital valve disease or had a heart valve replacement? Y N
Have you had any recent cardiac surgery? Y N
Have you had any acute cardiac arrhythmias or angina? Y N
Do you have Chronic Cardiac Failure? Y N
Have you had recent radiotherapy? Y N
Do you have a peripheral neuropathy? Y N
Do you have a bleeding disorder? (e.g. haemophilia) Y N
Are you pregnant? Y N
Do you have a history of tumours? Y N
Do you have any blood borne infections? Y N
Are you allergic to metal? Y N
Do you have a history of epilepsy? Y N
Do you have Diabetes? Y N
Do you have a pacemaker? Y N
Do you have a history of panic attacks? Y N
Are you on anticoagulant (blood thinning) medication? Y N
Do you have an autoimmune disease? Y N
Relative Contraindications:
Do you have Diabetes? Y N
Do you have a bleeding disorder? (e.g. haemophilia) Y N
Do you have a history of epilepsy? Y N
What are the possible side effects of dry needles?
Similar to any other needle, dry needles have some minor side effects. It can come with some bruising or slight bit of dull ache at the needle site for the following 1-2 days.
Arms or legs can feel heavier than usual but don’t worry, this is an usual reaction that will fade in the subsequent needling sessions.
The needles do release a hormone that can make you feel drowsy post session - again it is a normal reaction the body gives and needs no special care. (Yes, you can drive immediately after). However, you may get a great night of deep sleep!
The needles used are not reusable and are disposed of once used on you. There may be some very mild bleeding at some points but as the needles are so fine- chances are that you won’t feel a thing!
Who can needle you? Can all Physios needle?
Physiotherapists are additionally trained and certified to practice Dry Needling. For more information on who at our practice can do dry needling, please call our clinic and they can advise you with the right information and help you book your appointment today!