Dry Needling

Dry needling (Myofascial Trigger Point Dry Needling) is the use of acupuncture needles for the treatment of muscle pain, including pain related to myofascial pain syndrome. During the treatment, short, stainless steel needles are placed in knotted or hard muscles to relieve pain and spasms. It should be noted that no fluid is injected in with the needles, hence the term “dry”.

In addition to relief for pain, dry needling eases your trigger points leading to improved flexibility and the region’s range of motion.

Following careful evaluation, the disposable needle is inserted into the myofascial band or muscle, often creating a characteristic “twitch” within the tissue. This quick contraction of the restricted fibres leads to a reflex relaxation of the bunched up muscular fibres. This enables the return of adequate muscle length, normal blood flow and the release of toxins that may have built up from the previously poorly nutrient depleted area.

The needle also has the effect of stimulating a healing response. Very often in the case of chronic pain and tendinopathies, for example, tissue requires the kick start of a new inflammatory response. Careful application of the needle to the degenerated area can help stimulate this response, leading to the laying down of new tissue.