Dry needling is a type of therapy that involves inserting thin needles into the skin and muscles where trigger points (tight bands of muscle) are located. This can often help people feel less pain and tightness in the area being treated, and is particularly useful for neck, back, and shoulder pain.
Our friendly team of Physiotherapists and Chiropractors at Tangram Health can safely provide this treatment for you!
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During a dry needling session, one of our Physiotherapists or Chiropractors will insert a thin needle into the skin and into the trigger point. The needle is moved back and forth in the muscle, which helps to release the tension in the trigger point. This release of tension can help to reduce pain, increase range of motion, and improve function in the affected area. It is thought that the needles help stimulate the body's natural healing response by increasing blood flow to the affected area. This increased blood flow can help to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the muscle tissues, which can help to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
During the treatment, you may feel a slight prick or pinch as the needle is inserted, but it shouldn't be painful. Once the needle is in place, you may feel a dull ache or tingling sensation in the muscle, which is a sign that the trigger point is being stimulated. Many people find dry needling acupuncture to be a relaxing and therapeutic experience, and it can be a useful addition to other physiotherapy treatments for muscle pain and tension.
Dry needling therapy focuses on treating specific muscular or neuromuscular conditions by inserting needles into trigger points or tight muscles. Traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture, on the other hand, is based on the philosophy of unblocking energy channels or meridians by inserting needles into specific points along the meridians. Both techniques use needles, but they have different origins, philosophies, and methods of application.
Dry needling acupuncture can help relieve muscle pain and tightness, joint pain and stiffness, headaches and migraines, tendon problems, and some nerve conditions. Our Physios and Chiros rarely use dry needling alone though, and often combine it with other treatments such as stretching, strengthening exercises, mobilisations, or manipulation to try get longer term results.
