What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a treatment that has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in the field of physiotherapy. We recently incorporated Physiotherapy into our clinic, and we are proud to announce that our Physiotherapist James, is highly trained for doing Dry Needling, also called "Intramuscular Acupuncture". In this blog, we are going to talk in more detail about this ancient treatment and also the benefits that can provide to patients with musculoskeletal injuries.

Dry needling is based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, which has been used for over 2,500 years. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that the body's energy flow, or Qi, can become blocked, leading to pain and dysfunction. The insertion of needles into specific points in the body is believed to help restore the flow of Qi, thereby reducing pain and improving overall health.

How does dry needling work?

Dry needling involves the insertion of thin, solid needles into specific points in the muscles, known as trigger points. Trigger points are tight, painful knots in the muscles that can cause pain and discomfort. The insertion of needles into these points helps to release the tension in the muscles and reduce pain and discomfort.

While dry needling uses the same type of needles as acupuncture, the two techniques are different. Acupuncture relieves pain or discomfort by normalizing a patient's energy flow, while dry needling focuses on trigger points in the muscle.

Conditions That Can Benefit from Dry Needling Dry needling can be an effective treatment option for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Some of the most common conditions that can benefit from dry needling include:

- Muscle tightness

- Muscle pain

- Muscle strains

- IT Band syndrome

- Tendonopathies

- Neck or back pain

- Tension headaches

- And others.

Does Dry Needling Hurt?

One of the biggest concerns that patients have about dry needling is whether or not it will hurt. The actual insertion of the needle does not hurt as these needles are very thin. Sometimes the muscle will twitch when the needle is inserted, and it can feel sore if that happens. Patients may experience a little muscle ache or soreness for a day or two after the treatment, which feels like they worked out that muscle.

How Many Sessions of Dry Needling Do You Need?

The number of sessions required will vary depending on the problem and how long the patient has had it. Some patients may only need one or two sessions to get back to normal, while others with chronic problems may require dry needling as a routine treatment to manage their condition. The frequency of treatments can range from once a month to every two months, or whenever the patient feels like they need it.

Dry needling can be a valuable treatment option for patients with musculoskeletal conditions such as muscle tightness, pain, strains, and tension headaches. While the insertion of the needle may cause a little soreness or discomfort, it is generally well-tolerated by patients. The number of sessions required will depend on the individual patient and their specific condition.

If you're experiencing pain or discomfort related to a musculoskeletal condition, it's worth discussing the potential benefits of dry needling with our physiotherapist, you can also call us at 604 633 0998 for any inquiries.