Trina Woodcock
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is gentle treatment that can be especially effective for releasing myofascial and muscle tension. It involves the use of a solid filament needle that stimulates a local twitch response within the muscle, allowing the body’s biochemistry to produce a natural analgesic (pain relief).
Dry needling aims to treat myofascial trigger points within the body that present as a hyperirritable spot with the muscle. It is usually painful to touch, temperature changes on the skin, and may refer pain elsewhere. There are many causes of trigger points which may include, trauma, overuse, repetitive straining, and/or muscle imbalances. Prolonged chronic tension is a common cause of trigger point activation and without stimulation, these can cause a snow ball effect in the surrounding structures.
What does it feel like?
There are many techniques that can be used when dry needling, but the vast majority will only produce a tightness or pulling sensation rather than any actual discomfort. Communication with your therapist is vital, as with any modality, feedback is needed to ensure that client comfort is achieved. If at any time before, during or after you feel nervous, uncomfortable, ‘odd’, nauseous, or feel any pain, then TELL your therapist. Post treatment soreness is likely to occur, along with a slight headache (if treatment was within the upper thoracic region), however, movement and heat can help to alleviate this.
What are the benefits of dry needling?
• Accelerates your body's natural healing processes
• Promotes circulation to the treated area
Increasing blood flow and oxygen to the treated area
• Balances pH levels within the treated area
• Releases trigger points
• Reduces the sensitisation caused by the trigger points by promoting a release of natural
analgesics.
What is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?
While both practices use the same type of needle, they differ in technique and theory for how they are used. Dry needling is focused on using stimulation directly into the muscle to encourage a release.
Acupuncture, on the other hand, uses channel theory on meridian lines. These lines represent the body’s organs and they are based on ancient Chinese medicine, encouraging balance and restoring proper flow of energy throughout the body.
What would a dry needling treatment look like?
Most dry needling treatments included some soft tissue work either pre or post needle insertion. The aim is to reduce the sensitivity in the area which may decrease the intensity of the local twitch response or decrease the post treatment soreness which may occur post needling.
Depending on your previous experience with dry needling will determine the type of application performed. The treatment can ALWAYS be stopped if there is any discomfort.
If you have any more questions regarding dry needling and whether it may be right for you, please don’t hesitate to contact me on trina@bodyofwork.co.nz
