What does a Dry Needling treatment involve?

A sterile, single-use, fine filament needle (acupuncture needle) is inserted into the muscle to assist with decreasing pain and improving function through the release of myofascial trigger points (knots in the muscle). 


What is a trigger point?

So, what is a trigger point? A trigger point is a local contracture or tight band in a muscle fibre that can disrupt function, restrict range of motion, refer pain or cause local tenderness.


How does it work?

When dry needling is applied to a dysfunctional muscle or trigger point, it can decrease banding or tightness, increase blood flow, and reduce local and referred pain. Dry needling treats muscle tissue and its goal is to reduce pain, inactivate trigger points and restore function. Dry needling can be used for a wide variety of musculoskeletal issues, such as shoulder and elbow pain, neck and back pain, hip and knee pain and some forms of headaches.


What is the difference between Dry needling and Acupuncture?

It’s important to note dry needling is not the same as acupuncture. It uses similar tools, but that’s where the similarities end. Dry needling is performed by different practitioners with different training.

Acupuncture is based on Eastern medicine and works on energy channels (meridians) and specific acupuncture points influencing Qi.

While dry needling is rooted in Western medicine and evaluation and treatment of pain patterns, myofascial trigger points, posture, movement impairments, function and orthopaedic tests.