Dry Needling Pain Management

Dry Needling Pain Management for Forest Lake Locals

Discover A Modern, Western Alternative to Massage

There are times when a massage may not be the best way to manage pain, such as fever, inflammation caused by an injury, extreme high blood pressure or a recent accident. Dry Needling is a gentle alternative to massage that doesn’t involve medication or chemicals. Developed by Czechoslovakian Neurology Professor, Karel Lewit, Dry Needling takes its name from the fact that the needles used in this procedure are not used to introduce any liquids into the body.

How is Dry Needling different from Acupuncture?

Unlike Acupuncture, which was developed in China and is based on the flow of Qi, or the flow of life energy through the body, Dry Needling is based on how muscles and tissues are connected and interact with one another.

Because of its foundation in human anatomy, Dry Needling has a particular focus on posture, pain, impaired movement, dysfunction, and orthopaedics. Also known as Intramuscular Stimulation, it has been used by physiotherapists and physical therapists in Canada, Ireland, Spain, and the UK as well as in Chile and South Africa since the 1980s.

How does Dry Needling work?

Thin, flexible filiform or fine, short needles are gently inserted into specific trigger points in the neuro-musculo-skeletal system, where the pain originates or where movement is impaired. Dry Needling works because of the way it addresses the root cause of the pain, rather than alleviating the symptoms. A session begins by identifying the active trigger points, which are usually painful to touch, and latent trigger points, which may not hurt now but may cause pain later.

Needles inserted into these trigger points may release waste chemicals like stored lactic acid. This released build-up increases blood flow and oxygen in the affected muscles, which in turn, reduces pain and inflammation.

Does Dry Needling hurt?

Because the needles are extremely thin and flexible, there is zero to minimal discomfort during a Dry Needling session. The discomfort that may follow Dry Needling is similar to the ache that follows strenuous exercise, and may lessen with succeeding sessions. This ache shouldn’t inhibit your movements, and you are encouraged to move around and stretch after a session.

How can Dry Needling help?

Dry Needling may be able to relieve muscle pain and spasms and help reduce local and referred pain. It may be used to treat fibromyalgia, and be used to manage pain in the following areas:

  • Neck
  • Shoulders
  • Spine
  • Upper and Lower Back
  • Hips
  • Knees
  • Ankles and Heels

To help athletes with sport injuries or to contribute to their conditioning, Dry Needling may also be able to:

  • Reduce pain and stiffness
  • Improve flexibility and range of motion
  • Improve the flow of blood and oxygen
  • Facilitate recovery from injury
  • Relieve muscle tnsion
  • Help to heal scar tissue from previous injuries
  • Optimise performance
  • Prevent pain and inflammation from becoming chronic

Ready to feel better today?

Call 07 3372 9944 to book your Dry Needling appointment, today.