Dry needling… What’s the point?
Dr Nicole Loveridge B.Chir. (AECC)
Has anyone ever suggested you try dry needling and left you wondering what it actually is? This technique is gaining popularity as a complementary therapy alongside treatments like chiropractic care and physiotherapy. But what makes it so effective? Dry needling involves the precise insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points in the muscles to release tension, reduce pain, and improve movement. It’s not just about targeting symptoms but addressing the deeper causes of muscular discomfort, making it a powerful tool in your journey toward better health.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
It is great for those suffering from acute or chronic symptoms, without the need to be medicated or undergo surgical procedures. The term “dry” means that they have no medication in the needles. The thread-like needles are targeted at myofascial trigger points, connective tissues and joints; it can cause local muscle twitches which will then stimulate the body’s own natural healing properties and decrease the pain cycle. Because the needles are so thin, most of the time they are inserted without any sensation, which makes it an effective treatment tool for areas that are overly sensitive or too tender for hands-on manual therapy.
Combining dry needling, manual therapy and rehab exercises to restore normal function is found to be very helpful where patients may otherwise not have found such great results. Dry needling not only releases muscle tension, it also has an anti-inflammatory property which increases the rate of recovery for tendon injuries, arthritic pain and joint inflammation.
By incorporating dry needling in treatments, many patients have seen the benefits with their complaints ranging from neck pain, back pain, knee pain, muscle spasms and ligament sprains, the list goes on!
Isn’t Dry Needling the Same Thing as Acupuncture?
It’s similar. They both use fine needles (less than 1/3 of 1mm thick) and both involve inserting these into specific areas depending on the symptoms and intention. Both can increase blood flow, facilitate a healing response, decrease swelling, decrease muscle tension and stimulate muscles to optimise muscle function
So How is Dry Needling Different to Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is based in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and stimulates specific points along meridians of the body with the aim to balance the body’s energy (Qi). It takes years of studying a bachelor degree in Australia to become a fully trained, approved service provider. Acupuncture can be used to assist with systemic or visceral complaints by targeting issues such as issues with temperature regulation, fluid imbalance, gut function, stress, sleep or hormonal balance.
Dry needling works with concepts of Western Medicine, targeting specific musculoskeletal structures (muscles and connective tissue) to create change in the state or behaviour of those structures. Practitioners can learn this in a shorter external course after finishing years of study required achieve their bachelor or masters degree that allows them to practice manual therapy in Australia.
Curious About Dry Needling? Book with Dr Nicole Today!
Curious about how dry needling could help you feel your best? Dr. Nicole Loveridge is now offering this innovative treatment at our North Wyong clinic. Whether you’re dealing with muscle tension, pain, or restricted movement, dry needling combined with expert chiropractic care can be a game-changer.
Don’t wait—book your appointment with Dr. Nicole today and take the first step toward relief and better mobility.
