Dry Needling

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into myofascial trigger points which consist of multiple contraction knots related to the production and maintenance of the pain cycle.

During dry needling, a “twitch response” (spinal cord reflex) is triggered. This response is an essential first step in breaking the pain cycle as it creates a reflexive muscle relaxation known to stimulate blood flow and improve nerve function.

The reflexive muscle relaxation response eases muscle tension across joints and helps to reduce pain, inflammation, and restriction.

Most people notice a decrease in pain and improvement in mobility after one session but the treatment could also take more than one session to see improvement.

Is Dry Needling Similar to Acupuncture?

Dry needling might look a bit like acupuncture but the approach is different. Grounded in Western Medicine and research, dry needling focuses on pain management and healing by working with myofascial trigger points. Needles are placed at the particular site being addressed.

How Does Dry Needling Work?

Overused muscles don’t get adequate blood supply which means they don’t get the oxygen and nutrients it needs to return to it’s resting state. When this happens, the nerves become sore and painful. The act of stimulating a trigger point with a needles increases blood flow which helps release tension.

Stimulating a trigger point with a needle helps draw normal blood supply back to flush out the area and release tension. The prick of the needle also releases endorphins which creates natural pain relief. The twitch response - or quick muscle spasm - is a good indication that the muscles is reacting.

What Type of Problems Can Be Treated With Dry Needling?

Dry needling is known to help with a variety of musculoskeletal problems including:

• Neck, back and shoulder pain

• Tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, golfer’s elbow

• Migraines and tension headaches

• Patellafemoral pain

• Sciatica, hamstring strains, calf tightness/spasms

• Speeds recovery

• Helps “reset” the nervous system by affecting the pain-tension cycle

Other benefits include:

• Potential to decrease the need for pain meds

• Improves blood circulation and sleep quality

• Improves overall quality of life

• “Breaks” the pain-tension cycle

Is the Procedure Painful?

Most patients do not feel the insertion of the needle. The local twitch response elicits a very brief (less than a second) painful response. Some patients describe this as a little electrical shock; others feel it more like a cramping sensation. Again, the therapeutic response occurs with the elicitation of local twitch responses and that is a good and desirable reaction.

Are the Needles Sterile?

Yes, we only use sterile disposable needles.

Can I Book Dry Needling Sessions Separately From PT Sessions?

Yes, you may book 30 minute dry needling sessions at any time. Please note, though, that you must have one initial assessment before dry needling sessions can be booked.
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