Dry needling is a kind of physio in Collaroy Plateau that has become extremely popular in the last few years since being used in practice. With its popularity, there have also been various developments in the method to make it more efficient. However, not many people who get this therapy recommended completely understand what it entails.
Moreover, at first glance, the technique looks the same as that of acupuncture. And that is why so many are confused about the existence of dry needling as a part of physio in Collaroy Plateau.
So we are here to clear the haze around dry needling and explain everything there is to know about dry needling. Let us get started.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a technique used by physiotherapists to treat neuromusculoskeletal conditions, such as injuries and pain. This physio Collaroy Plateau technique uses exceptionally thin needles that are pierced into the skin and muscles to reach the trigger points (discussed in the following section). By attacking the trigger points, these needles can alleviate the pain in that area of the body.
Dry needling is usually performed in one of the following parts of the human body to help relieve pain:
- Neck
- Back
- Arms
- Legs.
What Is A Trigger Point?
Now that you know what is dry needling, you might be wondering about trigger points. A trigger point is a spot in the muscle that has become hypersensitive for some reason. When compressed, this spot becomes painful and tenses the muscle, restricting the oxygen supply to the muscle. This point is targeted in the process of dry needling.
The following are some potential causes for the occurrence of a trigger point in the human body:
- Nutrition deficiencies
- Viral and bacterial infections
- Recurring overuse of any particular muscle or group of muscles
- Continued lengthened or shortened position of a muscle or group of muscles
- Severe overuse of muscles
- Hormonal irregularities
- Sudden fast movement of muscles
- Psychological causes such as stress, anxiety etc.
What Is A Twitch Response?
A twitch response is the automatic response of an affected muscle to palpation. This, in our case, is the response of the trigger point muscle to the needles. This is the desired response in the methods as it speeds the treatment by alleviating the muscle’s tension, tightness and sensitivity and facilitating the better flow of oxygenated blood into the muscle.
Any tight muscle feels uncomfortable and has a frequent twitch response. This twitch response releases the inflammatory chemicals stuffed up in the muscle’s trigger point and allows the blood to flow in that area. Thus, it brings the muscle back to its normal state.
Conditions Treated With Dry Needling
Dry needling is sought for various conditions. The following are some of the most common conditions that are treated using dry needling:
- Headaches
- Knee pain
- Ankle sprains
- Neck pain
- Hip pain
- Muscle strains
- Lower back pain
- Shin splints
- Shoulder dysfunction
- Iliotibial band syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Thrower’s elbow
- Runner’s knee.
How Is Dry Needling Different From Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient traditional technique invented by the Chinese based on their knowledge of meridians. In this technique, needles are inserted into various points in the body to balance the energy levels in the body. It treats multiple conditions, including pain, nausea and high blood pressure.
Unlike acupuncture, dry needling as a physio Collaroy Plateau treatment only involves inserting needles into the trigger points or the affected areas of the muscles.
Does Dry Needling Hurt?
Considering needles are inserted into your body, you would feel a slight push when it goes in. Other than that, you would not feel a thing as the needle is very thin, even thinner than the needles used for injecting medicine.
Once the procedure is completed and the needles are taken out, you may feel a slightly dull ache for up to the next 24 hours. This pain can be handled by drinking lots of water, regular body movements and using heating pads.
Be at Your Best With FlexiFit Physiotherapy
Did you learn something new about dry needling? In this article, we discuss what is dry needling, what a trigger point is, what conditions are treated with dry needling, how it is different from acupuncture and whether dry needling hurts or not.
Considering everything, if you are experiencing musculoskeletal pain and do not have an aversion to needles, dry needling might be a good physiotherapy treatment for you. The procedure is quite simple, with minimum side effects, and there is not much you need to do to prepare for it.
If you’re curious to try this physio Collaroy Plateau treatment, then visit us at FlexiFit Physiotherapy. Our physiotherapist can help you enjoy the benefits of dry needling. To know more, contact us today.