Dry needling uses fine acupuncture needles to treat myofascial trigger points and overactive muscles. These are tight bands within a muscle that are often too deep to respond to soft tissue massage alone. Dry needling has been shown to:
- Reduce muscle tension and spasm
- Relieve pain
- Assist with joint mobility and flexibility
- Increase blood flow
- Reduce Inflammation
- Promote healing and relaxation
- Improve local immune response
It does this by stimulating the body’s own endorphins , or natural pain killers to be released, and by inducing relaxation in the muscles. These effects will help you move more freely with less pain. At North Balwyn Physiotherapy Dry needling is offered by our Physiotherapists who have completed extensive training in this technique. Prior to commencing Dry Needling a screening questionnaire will be completed to ensure it is appropriate for your condition, and it will be utilised as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may also include manual therapy, exercises and advice specific to your needs.
Dry needling is offered by our Physiotherapists who have completed extensive training in this technique.
We have used Dry needling successfully to treat the following conditions:
- Neck and Back pain including sciatica
- Headaches and Migraines
- Rotator cuff strains
- Tennis elbow
- Gluteal Tendinopathy
- Bursitis
- Achilles and Calf injuries
- Joint and arthritic pain
- Muscle strains
- Plantar Heel Pain
Dry needling is offered by our Physiotherapists who have completed extensive training in this technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can find our most frequently asked questions about what to expect, what to bring and how much an appointment will cost below. If you cannot find what you’re after feel free to contact us via the form on this page or Contact Us. We are here to help!
Dry needling is a treatment technique where very fine needles are inserted into tight muscles or trigger points to help reduce pain and muscle tension.
The needle stimulates the muscle and nervous system, which can help release muscle tension, improve blood flow, and reduce pain. It can be a very effective treatment tool in conjunction with other Physiotherapy techniques.
Dry needling and acupuncture both use fine needles, but they are based on different treatment philosophies. Dry needling focuses on treating muscle trigger points and movement problems whereas acupuncture is based on Chinese medicine principals and balancing energy flow.
Most people feel only a small sensation when the needle is inserted. Sometimes a brief muscle twitch occurs which can help release tight muscles. Often once the needles have been inserted they cannot be felt at all.
Dry needling is commonly used to treat muscle tension, neck pain, back pain, headaches, and sports injuries.
Some people feel relief immediately, while others notice improvement over the next 24–48 hours.
Minor soreness or mild bruising can occur but usually resolve quickly. Some clients report an initial period of feeling tired after dry needling, which quickly dissipates.
The number of sessions varies depending on the condition being treated and individual response to treatment, but often 3-4 sessions will achieve good results.
Yes, when performed by a trained physiotherapist it is considered a safe and effective treatment technique. To ensure safety we will conduct a screening questionnaire before using Dry needling to make sure it is suitable for you, and carry out stringent Infection control protocols.
Dry needling may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions or those who dislike needles. Taking some medications such as blood thinners, are not suited to dry needling, and recent surgery or pregnancy may also exclude the use of Dry needling. This will all be assessed by your Physiotherapist before undertaking any dry needling treatment.
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