Finding relief with dry needling

It’s never easy dealing with persistent body aches and pains. It not only affects your physical well-being but also takes its toll on your mental health. If you’re seeking relief, dry needling might be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Let’s get straight to the point (sorry, we had to) and break down what dry needling is, how it differs from acupuncture, why it could be the right choice for you, and what to expect during a dry-needling session.

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a treatment physiotherapists use to relieve muscle pain and dysfunction. It involves the insertion of small needles into specific points on the body–usually tight muscles or knots–that cause discomfort or pain. The goal of the treatment is to release tension in the target muscle.

How dry needling differs from acupuncture

Acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and aims to balance the body’s energy or “Qi'' by inserting needles along specific meridians (invisible channels that form a network throughout the body). It’s commonly used to treat a myriad of health issues.

While dry needling also involves inserting needles into the skin, they differ fundamentally in their approach and objectives. Dry needling is based on modern Western medicine principles and relieves muscle pain by targetting trigger points in muscle tissues. The focus is on treating muscular and skeletal issues through a detailed understanding of the human anatomy.

Why choose dry needling?

If you’re suffering from chronic pain or muscle tension, there are several reasons why dry needling could be the relief you’ve been searching for.

• Pain relief: Through the targeting of specific trigger points, dry needling can offer significant pain relief. It’s commonly used for conditions like lower back and neck pain.
• Improved mobility: When the muscle tension is relieved, it can enhance your range of motion, making it easier to move without discomfort.
• Quick results: Dry needling typically provides almost instant relief after a session, making it an attractive treatment option for individuals who want faster results.
• Non-invasive: Unlike more extreme treatments, like surgical intervention, dry needling is minimally invasive and has a low risk of complications.

When you should consider dry needling

If you’re suffering from any of the following conditions, we recommend dry needling as an effective treatment for pain relief:

• Muscle sprains or strains: Assists with recovery from sports-related or overuse injuries.
• Chronic conditions: Effective for treating persistent or constantly recurring conditions like chronic back pain and chronic neck pain.
• Post-surgical pain: Can help in the management of pain and regaining mobility after surgery.

What to expect during a physiotherapy session that involves dry needling

Before

Physiotherapy sessions typically begin with a discussion to assess your current condition and medical history; this helps us pick the right treatment for you. Dry needling is one of several treatments we may perform, along with rehabilitation exercises and other manual therapies.

During

A typical dry needling session lasts 20–30 minutes, with the number of sessions varying depending on the severity of your condition.

After explaining the treatment and assessing how you feel, you’ll simply need to lie back and relax as one of our qualified physiotherapists prepares the needles and begins the treatment.

If you are uncomfortable with needles, the physiotherapist can switch to another treatment, such as soft tissue massage, which also helps to address persistent body aches and pains.

After

Most individuals will feel immediate relief after the session, though there may be some soreness in the treated area for a few hours. The soreness will subside after 1–2 days. It’s generally okay to perform moderate exercise soon after the treatment, but we advise following the advice of your physiotherapist to maximise the benefits.

Does dry needling hurt?

This is the most common question we get asked and the honest answer is that it varies from person to person. While it may sound intimidating, there’s no need to be nervous. Most people feel a slight pinch when the needle is inserted, followed by a twitch in the muscle as the tension is relieved. That twitch is normal it’s a good sign–it means the trigger point has been found and is being treated.

Finding your path to relief

Choosing the right professional to administer dry-needling is important to ensure effectiveness. At UFIT, our physiotherapists are experienced and highly trained to perform dry needling. This treatment is offered as part of our holistic approach to pain management and recovery, our Circle of Care.

It focuses on helping you move better, feel better and perform better, and includes our physiotherapy, nutrition, personal training, and health screening services. They work together to cater to your unique needs and we tailor our treatments to provide you with the best possible outcomes.

Living with pain can be debilitating, but it doesn’t have to become your new normal. Our dry needling treatments offer you a promising solution for immediate and effective relief. With the right professionals and guidance, you can reduce your pain, regain your mobility, and improve your quality of life.