Ascot Vale OSTEOPATHY - Dry Needling

What is Dry Needling?

Trigger Point Dry Needling is a treatment that uses small solid needles to release tight muscles (also known as trigger points), with the goal of permanently reducing muscle pain and connective tissue dysfunction. Dry Needling technique directly treats the neuromuscular system, affecting muscle tightness, joint mobility, and symptoms of pain and irritation.

Is Dry Needling Painful?

You may feel a slight pinch as the needle is tapped into the skin. Once inserted the needles are manipulated by your Osteopath until a sensation is felt - most often manifesting as an ache. Techniques vary, from inserting the needle and leaving it in for 15 minutes or so with occasional manipulation, to constant peppering (pecking) of the needle into the region. The manipulation may occur more than once during the treatment.

How does it work?

Trigger Points are knots of muscle which are related to the production and maintenance of the pain cycle. When the needle is inserted into this trigger point or 'tight muscle' a local twitch response will be elicited. This is an involuntary reflex in which the muscle fibres in the tight muscle band contract. The twitch indicates the proper placement of the needle in a trigger point - by allowing this to happen, the tissue is left to release and return to its normal resting position.

Is Dry Needling similar to Acupuncture?

The technique and needles used in Acupuncture and Dry Needling are similar, but their rationale and use in treatment are quite different. The aim of Dry Needling is to change the tone within the muscle allowing it to relax.

Dry Needling can be used for many conditions including:

Neck tension
Muscle strains
Ligament sprains
Rotator cuff injuries
Tennis/golfers elbow
Headaches
Back pain
Jaw pain
Groin strain
Achilles tendonitis
Plantarfasciitis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Whiplash disorders
Shin splints
Tendonitis
Lower back problems

How will I feel after a treatment?

For the rest of the day after a Dry Needling session, your muscles can feel achy and tired - like they have done a big workout at the gym. It is a good idea to drink plenty of water and rest if tired. If you are used to the needling it should be fine to continue your normal sport that day, but after your first time, you may choose to take a day off.

Some people feel better straight away, others feel better a day or two later, and some may not feel much change. If your condition is ongoing/chronic, regular dry needling may be an effective way of managing it. For most people a course of 3 to 6 treatments can make considerable changes in muscle tension. For the lucky ones, a single session will sort them out.

Note: Dry needling is very safe for most people; however it should not be used during pregnancy, or in a few other medical situations.