Dry Needling

Dry needling is a technique used by health practitioners to alleviate pain caused from trigger points in muscles. Trigger points can develop gradually over time or after an acute injury and are usually painful with direct pressure.

It is performed by inserting a needle into specific regions of the lower limb which then causes the muscles to relax, increases blood flow to the area and produces a numbing sensation to significantly reduce pain and soreness.

It is best used in conjunction with stretches and exercise to help maintain the length of the muscle and also to build strength.

Conditions Where Dry Needling May Be Beneficial

pLANTAR FASCIITIS

PERONEAL TENDONITIS

MEDIAL TIBIAL STRESS SYNDROME (SHIN SPLINTS)

ACHILLES TENDONITIS

REDUCED RANGE OF MOTION OR FLEXIBILITY

Is dry needling painful?

Most patients are not bothered by the insertion of the needle itself. However, when the local twitch response is elicited some patients feel a very brief electric shock like feeling in the area. This is the desirable response as this allows the trigger point to be released.