Dry Needling
 |
 |
Superficial Dry Needling (SDN) therapy engages the use of very fine sterilized needles, most commonly used to treat myofascial trigger points within muscles. A myofascial trigger point consists of multiple contraction “knots” where the muscle is constantly in a shortened or contracted state, this in turn is related to the production and maintenance of pain that you feel.
During treatment you will feel a light prick sensation of the needle into the “knot”. This stimulates neurological reflexes, promotes muscle relaxation and nerve de-sensitisation, ultimately these changes reduce pain. You may also feel a tingling deep achy sensation in the region being treated, this is normal. Your practitioner may then gently stimulate the needles to increase the therapeutic effect of treatment; which usually involves twisting the needle, moving the needle up and down or bone pecking.
SDN is suitable for most people off all ages. It is a reasonably safe procedure. Your qualified practitioner will take a detailed history and perform an examination to make sure that you are suitable for this treatment and that all risks are minimized.
But… why would I need it?
SDN complements other forms of manual therapy such as Osteopathy. It is a direct way of treating the soft tissues without having to have deep tissue massage. It works to “undo” and release those nasty painful knots within your muscle fibers.
Overall benefits include normalizing muscle length, promote healing, pain relief and improve sleep and relaxation.
In addition to improving your health it is highly recommended to combine Dry Needling with other manual therapies such as Osteopathy or Massage for a multimodal approach to healing.
Dry needling is one of the many different treatment techniques offered at Focus Osteopathy. As with all osteopathic treatment techniques, dry needling is only used on suitable patients after obtaining full consent. Treatment is always tailored to each individual's needs.
For further information, please check out our frequently asked questions page.
