Trigger Point Dry Needling
Jenny, Nikki and Cameron all perform Trigger Point Dry Needling.
What is dry needling?
Trigger point dry needling is a relatively new and modern approach to treat a range of musculoskeletal conditions and sports injuries both acute and chronic. It is based on western medicine and scientific research, and it utilises knowledge of anatomy and principles of neurophysiology. Dry needling is not acupuncture, it is therapy based on myofascial release.
How does it work?
Dry needling involves introducing fine, sterile acupuncture needles into trigger points of muscles. A trigger point is tight irritable band or knot within a muscle and can give rise to characteristic referral pain. When the needle is inserted into a trigger point it causes a twitch response and “the muscle lets go”. This normalises blood flow and allows proper muscle function.
What can dry needling treat?
Dry needling can be used to treat back and neck pain, headaches, tennis elbow, ITB friction syndrome, shin splints, rotator cuff dysfunction and other musculoskeletal conditions. Dry needling may only be part of your treatment, as a needle won’t untwist a pelvis, it releases a muscle. You can request to have dry needling as part of your treatment and you can also request that it not to be used.
How does it feel?
You may feel a slight prick when the needle first touches the skin. As the needle is inserted deeper into the muscle in normal tissue it is painless. When the needle contacts a trigger point you may feel the muscle twitch or feel an ache as the muscle releases.
More Information at Global Education of Manual Therapists (GEMt)
