Acupuncture and Dry Needling
We receive calls daily from New Clients who are seeking Dry Needling from our therapists. Many of our existing Clients have Dry Needling performed on them by our Therapists with very positive outcomes that help accelerate recovery and return them to their goals. In light of the above, we thought it would be a great idea to write a blog on Dry Needling, comparing it to Traditional Acupuncture, and providing an insight into the effects and positive outcomes that Dry Needling can have upon our Clients at Ferry Rd Physio and Functional Therapies.
First of all ,what is Acupuncture and what is Dry Needling?
There are similarities in terms of the Needles uses and certain insertional techniques, but there are major differences between the two.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for thousands of years. This technique focuses on restoring energy or “Qi” to the body. It is thought that there are blockages that can be restored by properly placing needles along specific meridian energy channels.
Dry needling on the other hand directly treats the neuromuscular system. It involves acupuncture needles being placed into muscle trigger points. A muscle trigger point is a “hyperirritable spot in skeletal muscle that is associated with a hypersensitive palpable nodule in a taut band (Simons, Travell, & Sumons 1999)”. These points are tender to touch and have distinctive pattern referrals.
Secondly, what are the effects of Dry Needling?
Dry Needling has a number of local and global effects on the body:
- Reduction in pain via increased production of pain relieving endorphins
- Stimulates tissue remodelling and scar tissue breakdown via localised increase in circulation
- Release of tissue tension and increase in range of motion via trigger point local ‘twitch’ responses
- Decreased swelling via reduction in local inflammation and oedema
Thirdly, and most importantly, what can our Clients expect following Dry Needling treatment?
The vast Majority of Clients experience a number of positive outcomes following Dry Needling, although we do know that there is a 10% of “non-responders” who do not gain as much from this type of treatment. The Majority, however, should expect:
- An increase in your range of movement
- An increase in your quality of movement
- A reduction in your pain levels
- Occasionally, tiredness following treatment
Dry Needling is used commonly at our Southport Clinic by our Qualified Therapists, generally alongside other hands on techniques, but occasionally in isolation depending on what Clients prefer.
Following a thorough assessment, Dry Needling can be utilised during treatment, amongst other modalities, to accelerate your recovery and return you to whatever your Goals may be!
To know more about Dry Needling at our Clinic, please give us a call on (07) 5532 0999 to speak with one of our therapists or make a booking, or email us at info@ferryrdphysio.com.au.
Yours in Good Health,
Ferry Rd Physio and Functional Therapies
294 Ferry Rd Southport, QLD, 4215
www.ferryrdphysio.com.au