Dry Needling

Myofascial Trigger Points MTrPs are hyperirritable knots within a muscle. The hypersensitive nodules can be palpated within the muscle fibres The tight band within the muscle can trigger pain locally or refer pain further away leading to discomfort, loss of mobility and function. As for an example, if trigger points are present within the trapezius muscle (very large muscle in the Neck), you can experience neck pain as well as headaches, shoulder or upper back

Dry Needling uses sterile, single-use, very thin needles (acupuncture needles) inserted into the skin and the tight muscle band. It is “Dry” as no medication is injected into the body. Dry needling within a Trigger Point is used to help relieve pain, relax and lengthen tight muscles. It can release the compression of nerves and blood vessels that supply the muscle. The aim is to help reduce pain, restore mobility and overall function by releasing the Myofascial Trigger Point. Therefore both active and latent trigger points cause allodynia at the trigger point site and hyperalgesia away from the trigger point following applied pressure.[3] The formation of trigger points is caused by the creation of a taut band within the muscle. This band is caused by excessive acetylcholine release from the motor endplate combined with inhibition of acetylcholine esterase and upregulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Initially taut bands are produced as a normal protective, physiological measure in the presence of actual or potential muscle damage. They are thought to occur in response to unaccustomed eccentric or concentric loading, sustained postures and repetitive low load stress. However when sustained they contribute to sustained pain.

Sciatica,Joint pain,Neck & Back pain,Plantar fasciitis,Tension-type Headaches,Repeated strain injuries, Acute and Overuse muscle injuries Tendinopathy as Tennis Elbow, Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITB) Dry Needling can be used for conditions as: Muscle spasms and strains Is Dry Needling Safe? What are the side effects of Dry Needling? Your Physiotherapist or Osteopath trained in Dry Needling will explain the associated risks and discuss if this treatment is suitable according to your condition and medical history. When the needle is inserted into your body, you will feel a small pinprick and possibly also a muscle twitch response. These are all normal with positive outcomes for symptom-relief. Patients may also experience post-treatment soreness, but this usually resolve within 24-48hrs following treatment. As Dry Needling is a minimally invasive treatment, there are some risks associated with this technique as local bleeding, bruising, infection and pain. The use of single-wrapped-sterilised needles reduce the chance of infection. Serious adverse events from dry needling are very rare.

At Physio For All we have physiotherapists who have undergone extra training and are qualified to provide Dry Needling. Our multi-disciplinary team rely on evidence-based practice for the treatment of our patient’s problems. Therefore, dry needling is only one of the many services that we have to offer. It should be seen as part of your overall treatment and can be used in conjunction with other manual/manipulative techniques, taping, electrotherapy and/or rehabilitative exercises to restore function and decrease symptoms.