Dry Needling

Dry needling is a treatment used by some of our Osteopaths to treat muscular or myofascial pain. It involves the insertion of fine filament needles into muscle tissue to stimulate a relaxation reflex in the muscle, which relaxes muscle spasms and myofascial trigger points (muscle knots) to improve function and pain. It gained the name ‘dry needling’ as the needles are inserted into the patient without any injected substance.

Dry needling is often equated to the traditional Chinese practice of acupuncture; however, the origins of these practices are very different. Chinese acupuncture is founded on Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory, where the needles are inserted along energy channels to allow energy flow. Dry needling utilises anatomy, pathophysiology, and modern scientific research.

The benefits of dry needling are decreased pain and muscle tension, increased flexibility, and trigger point reduction. The possible side effects include bruising, local bleeding, temporary muscle soreness and fatigue. These will be discussed in full by the Osteopath.