Hi Ashy community!
Traditionally, physiotherapy has always been seen as a very “hands-on” profession; you jump on the massage table for the tried-and-tested hammie rub and you’re good to go. However, the scope of physiotherapy has evolved a lot over the years with the development of many new techniques and modalities aimed optimising your progress and performance. One such tool we use often at Glenferrie Sports and Spinal is Dry Needling.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry Needing is a treatment technique Physiotherapists and other allied health professionals can use to release tight muscles with the goal of managing pain and alleviating movement dysfunction.
We use fine filament needles and insert them through the skin into a taut muscle band – also known as a “trigger point”. This is different from acupuncture, which uses specific meridian points in the body to promote the flow of energy or “chi”.
Trigger point related pain can be caused by decreased blood flow to the area, which can lead to changes in the biochemical environment surrounding the muscle and result in stimulation of pain receptors.
What will I feel?
The needles used for Dry Needling are very thin, so you may not feel them enter your skin at all. Other times you will feel a small prick followed by a “cramping” or “twitching” sensation within the muscle itself. This transient muscle contraction- or “twitch response”, as we call it, is associated with therapeutic effectiveness and often followed by a feeling of relaxation.
How will it help?
Dry Needling can restore resting muscle length and optimise muscle activation, strength, and range of motion.
Is it for me?
We recommend Dry Needling on an individual basis, depending on your body’s needs. Dry Needling is not appropriate for everyone, but we would encourage you to speak with any of our clinicians if you are interested in exploring this treatment strategy!
Cheers, Glenferrie Sports and Spinal Team. |