WHEN OTHER FORMS OF MUSCLE RELEASE JUST CANT GET DEEP ENOUGH

Dry needling, sometimes referred to as ‘clinical or Western acupuncture,’ is a technique whereby fine sterile needles are introduced into the skin and the tissues below. The term ‘dry needling’ is used to differentiate it from an ‘injection’ where something is injected into tissue with a syringe.

Dry Needling-how does it work?

The exact mechanisms of dry needling are complex and not fully known. However, there is a growing body of scientific evidence that supports the positive effect of needling on the electrical and chemical communications of the nervous system. These include inhibiting the transmission of pain signals in our spinal cord and increasing the release of our own pain relieving chemicals within our brains. The pain relieving effect of dry needling is gaining strong support in mainstream Western medicine.

Dry needling is used to target and restore muscle function, by improving tissue healing and restoring normal tissue function. This is important as continued activity with poor muscle function may lead to further tissue damage and increased pain.

When muscles are overused or strained, they can develop "knotted" areas called myofascial trigger points that are irritable and cause pain due to poor blood flow. The tissue near the trigger point becomes more acidic, and the nerves can become more sensitised, which makes the area sore or painful. The pricking sensation can stimulate nerve fibres that in turn stimulate the brain to release endorphins. These endorphins are our internal homemade pain medication.

The insertion of the needle also creates a tiny lesion in the tissue, promoting blood flow and healing to the area.This starts a process of physiological mechanisms required for remodelling injured and inflamed soft tissue.

Dry needling is not meant to replace conventional medical procedures such as physiotherapy or surgery. However, when combined with other treatment options, dry needling can assist in pain reduction, healing and the restoration of normal tissue function.