Dry Needling

If you’re suffering from ongoing aches, pains or tight muscles that just won’t seem to go away, dry needling may be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Here at Bounty Physio, dry needling is one of our most effective treatments for providing targeted pain relief and restoring mobility. Our experienced physiotherapists use ultra-fine needles to treat myofascial trigger points – knots or tight bands of muscle that can cause referred pain, muscle weakness, restricted range of motion, and more.

While it utilises specialised needles, dry needling is not acupuncture. Dry needling specifically targets trigger points, while acupuncture focuses on meridians. The goal is to release the contracted muscle to immediately reduce pain, improve range of motion, and speed up healing.

Dry needling can provide relief for various musculoskeletal conditions such as:

• Neck, shoulder and back pain
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Tennis elbow
• Achilles tendinitis
• Headaches and migraines
• Sciatica
• Plantar fasciitis
• Knee pain
• Hip pain
• And more!

It is particularly effective for chronic tightness and spasms, cramping, and restricted mobility associated with these conditions. The needles help relax the contracted muscles and restore normal function.

Dry needling offers numerous advantages over medication or other treatments for musculoskeletal pain, including:

• Immediate relief – Patients often feel reduced muscle tightness and pain right after the treatment. The effects continue between sessions as the muscles stay looser.
• Non-invasive – No surgery or drugs required, just tiny needles that barely pierce the skin’s surface. This makes it extremely safe with minimal side effects.
• Restores flexibility – By releasing tight muscle bands and trigger points, dry needling restores normal muscle length, joint mobility, and range of motion.
• Speeds recovery – Dry needling facilitates healing by improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to the muscles. This reduces inflammation and allows the tissues to heal faster.
• Custom treatment – Needles can target specific muscles and trigger points tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
• Lasting results – Dry needling treats the underlying muscular causes of pain. Patients often see results that continue well beyond the treatment session.
• Drug-free – Dry needling provides natural pain relief and healing without medications, injections, or prescription drugs.

Dry needling is very safe when performed by skilled physiotherapists.

The needles used are very thin, solid, and filiform. This means they are smooth with no cutting edges, unlike hollow injection needles or hypodermic needles. Dry needling needles gently separate the muscle fibres instead of cutting through tissues.

Needles are only inserted into areas of soft muscle tissue, avoiding nerves, blood vessels, and other vulnerable structures. You may feel a mild ache or muscle cramping during treatment as the needle activates the trigger points. However, any discomfort only lasts briefly.

A typical dry needling session at our clinic goes as follows:

• Evaluation – Your physiotherapist will do a physical examination of your condition to locate muscle tightness, trigger points, restricted movements, and areas of pain. They will determine which muscles should be targeted with dry needling.
• Needle insertion – Ultra-fine solid filament needles are quickly inserted into the skin over the trigger points in the problem muscles. The needles briefly remain in place as your therapist manipulates them to release the contracted tissue. Most patients only feel a tiny prick on insertion.
• Treatment – During the session, you may feel a dull ache, heaviness, or cramping sensation as the needles activate the trigger points. This dissipates as the muscle loosens. Your therapist will communicate with you throughout about any sensations you feel.
• Needle removal – Once the needles have released the muscle tension, they are promptly removed. You may notice some residual muscle soreness that resolves within a day or two.
• Post-treatment – Your therapist will prescribe stretching and strengthening exercises to help maintain the improved mobility. We also design ongoing dry needling treatment plans for chronic issues requiring multiple sessions.

For simple acute knots, just 1-3 sessions may provide relief. Chronic trigger points often need 4-6 sessions or more. Your physiotherapist will advise how many visits are recommended based on the severity of your condition.

To optimise your results, you should follow your therapist’s at-home care instructions for exercises, stretching, rest, and modifying aggravating activities. This will help consolidate the gains from each treatment.

When performed correctly by trained professionals, dry needling is a safe, effective therapy for musculoskeletal pain.

Here are some key reasons to consider dry needling with our experienced physiotherapists:

• Proven results – Our physiotherapists regularly utilise dry needling to consistently deliver successful outcomes for patients. We continuously refine our skills through advanced education.
• Holistic approach – Dry needling is just one tool in our comprehensive treatment toolkit. We combine it with exercise, hands-on therapy, self-care education, and more.
• Customised treatment – Your unique health history, goals, and needs determine how we apply dry needling for optimal benefits.
• Professional expertise – Our physiotherapists have qualifications in dry needling in addition to their physiotherapy degrees and years of experience. You can trust our clinical judgement and technique.
• Caring service – We take time to listen, address all your concerns, and make you feel comfortable throughout your treatment.

If persistent muscle tightness or trigger points are limiting your movement or causing pain, dry needling may help.

Contact us today to see how this treatment can get you feeling looser, stronger, and pain-free!