What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used by trained physiotherapists requiring additional study and certification to treat muscular pain and dysfunction. It involves the insertion of thin needles into trigger points within muscles, tendons, or connective tissues, targeting areas of tightness or dysfunction.
Benefits of dry needling
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Pain Relief: Research has shown that dry needling can provide significant pain relief by releasing muscle tension and promoting circulation in affected areas.
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Improved Range of Motion: By releasing tight muscles and improving tissue mobility, dry needling can enhance flexibility and range of motion.
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Accelerated Healing: Stimulating trigger points with needles can promote the body's natural healing response, aiding in faster recovery from injuries.
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Complementary Therapy: Dry needling can complement other physiotherapy techniques and exercise programs, enhancing overall treatment outcomes.
Research Supporting Dry needling
Dry needling is one of the most well-supported interventions in physical rehabilitation. There are numberous studies and even randomised controlled trials (RCTs) (the highest level of evidence) that support the effectiveness of dry needling in various conditions including;
Neck Pain
Shoulder Pain
Plantar
Heel Pain
Headaches
Patellar
Pain
Hamstring
Tightness
Fibromyalgia
Lower Back
Pain
Knee Osteoarthritis
Pelvic/Sij
Pain
Greater Trochanteric/Lateral Hip Pain
Uses for Injury and Pain:
Dry Needling can be beneficial for a wide range of Conditions including:
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Muscle Strains: Targeting trigger points in strained muscles can alleviate pain and promote healing.
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Tension Headaches: By releasing tension in neck and shoulder muscles, dry needling can reduce the frequency and intensity of tension headaches.
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Sports Injuries: It is commonly used in sports rehabilitation to address muscle tightness, improve flexibility, and enhance recovery post-injury.
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Chronic Pain Syndromes: Conditions like fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome can benefit from the pain-relieving effects of dry needling.
Faqs about dry needling
Is Dry needling painful?
How many sessions are needed for results?
is dry needling safe?
Can anyone undergo dry needling?
Most individuals can benefit from dry needling, but it is essential to undergo a thorough assessment by a physiotherapist to determine suitability and develop a personalised treatment plan.
The number of sessions depends on the condition being treated and individual response. Many patients experience relief after just a few sessions.
When performed by a trained and licensed physiotherapist, dry needling is considered safe with minimal risks.
Most individuals can benefit from dry needling, but it is essential to undergo a thorough assessment by a physiotherapist to determine suitability and develop a personalised treatment plan.
Experience the benefits of dry needling and discover a natural approach to pain relief and rehabilitation. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
What's The Difference between Dry needling & Acupuncture:
While both dry needling and acupuncture involve the use of needles, they differ in their underlying principles and techniques:
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Focus: Dry needling targets specific trigger points within muscles to alleviate pain and dysfunction, whereas acupuncture follows traditional Chinese medicine principles and aims to restore energy flow along meridians.
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Needle Depth: Dry needling typically involves deeper needle insertion into muscles compared to acupuncture, which often targets superficial points.
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Purpose: Dry needling is primarily used for musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction, while acupuncture may have broader applications for holistic health and wellness.
Safety and Certification
The physiotherapists (who preform dry needling or acupuncture) have the certification and training required to preform dry needling and acupuncture safely and the Clinic has met all compliance and regulatory requirements.
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Registration: Physiotherapists must be registered with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia, which is regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
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Additional Training: Physiotherapists must have completed accredited dry needling courses that meet the standards set by the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) or other recognized professional bodies. These courses focus on safe and effective dry needling techniques.
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Insurance: It is advisable for physiotherapists and clinics to have appropriate professional liability insurance that covers dry needling procedures. 4. Compliance: Physiotherapy clinics must adhere to relevant regulations, guidelines, and codes of practice set by AHPRA, the APA, and other regulatory authorities.
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Continuing Education: Physiotherapists should engage in ongoing professional development and continuing education to stay updated with advancements in dry needling and maintain their skills and knowledge.