What is Dry Needling:

Dry needling (DN) is a skilled technique performed using a single-use, sterile filiform needle, which is used to penetrate the skin or underlying tissue to treat musculoskeletal conditions, pain and movement impairments.

How will Dry Needling work within our Clinic?

Dry needling is an adjunct treatment to physiotherapy meaning it is advised to be used in addition with physiotherapy. We believe dry needling can aid in the progression of your

treatment rather than it being a standalone cure or solution for your musculoskeletal

problem. We will unlikely use dry needling alone.

Conditions that may benefit for Dry Needling:

● Tendon and muscle pain

● Iliotibial band syndrome

● Headaches

● Chronic Pain

● Lower back pain

● Osteoarthritis

● Fibromyalgia

Mechanism behind Dry Needling

There are several theories on the mechanism of dry needling and how it has shown to

increase pressure pain threshold, range of motion, decrease muscle tone and pain levels.

It is theorised that dry needling:

1. Releases trigger points by creating a local twitch response.

Local twitch response occurs when a needle is inserted into a trigger point or “knot”. The

muscle may then contract around the needle creating a twitch response. It is believed that this relaxes the muscle tissue and returns the muscle length to normal and helps aid in restoring normal blood flow.

2. Aids in the restoration of an optimal biochemical environment and electrical activity.

The areas around trigger points have been shown to have higher levels of inflammatory

mediators and increased electrical activity, which increases pain sensation. Dry needling has been theorised to restore the local biochemistry to normal levels and reduce electrical signals to normal levels. Hence reducing pain sensations.

3. Changes brain activity and pain perception.

Research using functional MRI has shown dry needling may alter the function in areas of the brain responsible for pain and sensation, reducing pain and restoring function.

How may I feel after Treatment?

It is common to feel some soreness on the body where you were treated but it does not

always occur. Soreness will vary from person to person and based on the area of treatment. Bruising may occur but it is not a major concern. You may also feel fatigued like after an intense workout at the gym and may last 24-48 hrs with fatigue levels.

What should I do after Treatment and what is recommended?

● Do not consume alcohol excessively.

● Increase water intake to help avoid or reduce soreness.

● Avoid large increases in your normal activity levels.

● Apply heat or ice as preferred for soreness.

● Perform normal level of physical activities unless they exacerbate your symptoms.

Does Dry Needling Hurt?

The sensation of dry needling differs from person to person. Dry needling may elicit referred pain to other regions or may bring on symptoms and pain mentioned prior to treatment. If so, this may be a positive sign rather than a negative. Some people report dry needling as a slight discomfort and painless after insertion, other’s report of feeling like an elastic band flicked on the skin or a cramp or twitch like sensation.

How is it different to Acupuncture?

Dry Needling is usually used by physiotherapists and other allied health practitioners which follows the principles of Western medicine. Acupuncture on the other hand is often used by those trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and focuses on correcting imbalances.Dry Needling aims to target connective tissues and muscles to target dysfunction and restricted movements. This will be assessed prior to and re-assessed after treatment.

How many sessions of Dry Needling do I need?

Dry Needling should be completed 2-3 times to determine its effectiveness for your

condition. Depending on your musculoskeletal concern, you may have more than three

treatments.

How much do we charge for Dry Needling?

Our clinic charges an additional $10 on top of your consultation.