Dry needling is a very successful medical treatment, which uses very thin needles without any medication (a dry needle) to achieve its aim. Dry needling is used to treat pain and dysfunction caused by muscle problems, headaches and some nerve problems. The physiotherapists in our practice are fully trained in all of the skills of dry needling and use dry needling in combination with other forms of physiotherapy e.g. joint, soft tissue and nerve mobilization, as an addition to regular physiotherapy treatments.
It is not at all the same as acupuncture, which is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Dry needling is a western medicine technique which needs to have a medical diagnosis.
Dry needling works by changing the way your body senses pain (neurological effects), and by helping the body heal stubborn muscle spasm associated with trigger points (myofascial effects). There are additional electrical and chemical changed associated with dry needling therapy, which assist in the healing process. It is important to see the needles as just one part of your overall rehabilitative treatment. Dry needling is not a miracle cure – it is a normal part of physiotherapy. It is vital that you do the exercises and follow the advice your physiotherapist gives you in conjunction with the needling for optimal recovery.
Article by Bruce Barker from Optimal Dry Needling Solutions.
