Dry needling (sometimes described as western medical acupuncture) is a very sucessful treatment, which uses very fine needles without any medication (a dry needle) to achieve its aim. Dry needling is used to treat pain and dysfunction caused by muscle problems. It is not like Acupuncture used in chinese medicine, which aims to treat imbalance of the body’s energy or Qi.
Dry needling works by changing the way your body senses pain (neurological effects) and by helping the body heal stubborn muscle spasm accossicated with trigger points (myofascial effects). There are also electrical and chemical changes associated with dry needling therapy, which assists in the healing process.
The Needles used are very fine and solid, unlike needles used for injections. Many patients do not even feel it penetrate the skin. The sensation felt is often a dull ache and sometimes a twitch response occurs.
Benefits of Dry Needling Treatment Include:
- Increased Range of Motion
- Decreased Pain
- Improved Function