What is Dry Needling?
How it works and the benefits
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a modern treatment which involves inserting fine filament sterile needles into tissues of the body to relieve pain and aid the body’s recovery process.
Dry needling is commonly used to manage muscle tension and trigger points. The word “DRY” in dry needling indicates that no chemicals or liquids are used when performing this treatment.
How does dry needling work?
When inserting the needles, the body responds by stimulating blood circulation as well as changes in the chemical balance and neural pathways, by doing this the body is starting its own healing process to reduce pain associated with muscle soreness and tension.
Difference between dry needling and acupuncture
Acupuncture is based on the idea to restore and balance flow of energy throughout the body. The needles are inserted into points along median lines that represent the body’s organs which is based on ancient Chinese medicine. Meridians is a circulatory system of energy. The needles are left in place for approximately 15-30 minutes and commonly used to treat internal ailments such as stress, chronic pain, digestive problems, and insomnia.
Dry needling is based on modern Western medicine. Needles are inserted into trigger points or tender bands of muscles. When these needles are inserted, they elicit a response to the body that releases the trigger point and restores normal function
What are the benefits of Dry needling?
Dry needling can assist with the following:
– Reduce pain
– Relax muscle spasms and myofascial trigger points
– Improve range of motion
– Speed up recovery
– Improve chronic pain conditions
– Stimulate blood flow to improve muscle function and prevent mobility issues
Lauren Kloppers – Physiotherapist