Dry Needling

Dry Needling is available in any session with its qualified therapists. It’s just a fantastic add on to our normal session.

Here’s a Little Info About Dry Needling:

Dry needling is an excellent technique for targeting those stubborn tender and tight spots buried deep within muscle tissue. Unlike traditional massage methods, where direct pressure on these areas can be uncomfortable, dry needling offers a precise and less invasive approach to restoring normal tissue function.

This method involves the insertion of fine needles into trigger points, stimulating blood flow, and triggering the release of endorphins. It accelerates the healing process and encourages muscle relaxation, providing relief without the discomfort associated with firm pressure.

While dry needling can be highly effective on its own, we often find that combining it with massage therapy yields superior results. By integrating both techniques, we can address a broader range of issues and customize treatment to meet your specific needs.

It is a fantastic addition to your remedial massage treatment. For more info about remedial massage click here.

The Main Questions We Get About Dry Needling….

“Is Dry Needling the Same as Acupuncture?”

No, they are not the same. While both methods utilize the same type of needles, acupuncture is rooted in Chinese medicine and focuses on manipulating the flow of Qi (energy) along meridians in the body.

At Rapid Recovery , we employ Dry Needling as part of our comprehensive approach to muscle therapy. By combining it with manual techniques, we aim to enhance muscle function by improving range of motion, increasing flexibility, and alleviating pain and stiffness.

“Does Dry Needling Hurt?”

The sensation experienced during dry needling varies from person to person. The insertion of the needle is typically quick and often passes through pain receptors with minimal sensation.

For some clients, they report not feeling anything at all, while others may experience a brief initial prick, akin to a flick. However, beyond this initial sensation, many individuals report feeling nothing further.

During treatment, it’s normal to experience a dull ache in the targeted area or a muscle twitch. These responses are entirely normal and indicate the muscle’s reaction to the therapeutic process.

“Is Dry Needling backed by science?”

Yes, there is significant scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of dry needling. Studies have shown that dry needling can improve pain control, reduce muscle tension, and normalize dysfunctions of the motor end plates, which are critical for transmitting nerve impulses to muscles. These therapeutic effects can contribute to speeding up a patient’s return to active rehabilitation.

Dry Needling for Muscular Pain:

When we experience aches and pains, it’s natural to want to relieve them by giving the affected area a squeeze or a quick rub. However, sometimes we may encounter peculiar bumps known as knots.

These knots, technically termed myofascial trigger points, develop in muscles that are frequently used or subjected to repetitive movements. They act like blockages, impeding blood flow in a manner akin to a clogged drain. Just as water cannot drain through a blocked sink, blood becomes trapped around trigger points, leading to muscle dysfunction and discomfort.

As blood flow is restricted, nearby tissues become more acidic, exacerbating soreness and pain. Dry needling offers a solution to this issue. By inserting a needle into the trigger point, the muscle is stimulated to relax, allowing for improved blood flow and alleviation of pain. The influx of fresh blood also facilitates the healing process within the muscles, promoting recovery and restoration of normal function.

How Dry Needling Helps Back Pain:

Suffering from a sore back? The idea of sticking needles into it might seem counterintuitive at first glance, but there’s actually a science behind Dry Needling that makes it an effective treatment option.

During a Dry Needling session, needles are strategically placed with precision, targeting specific points identified by a qualified therapist. Unlike acupuncture, Dry Needling doesn’t involve the use of anesthetic on the needles. Instead, it utilizes filiform needles, similar to those used in acupuncture, to address muscle tissue directly.

Dry Needling differs from acupuncture in its focus: while acupuncture targets energy flows, Dry Needling concentrates on muscles and their function. This makes it particularly effective for alleviating back pain, which often stems from muscular dysfunction.

Our bodies rely on numerous muscles for everyday movement, and these muscles can only handle so much strain before becoming sore or tight. Dry Needling helps address trigger points within these muscles, which can refer pain to other areas of the body and restrict range of motion.While therapists would love to promise instant fixes after a single session, the reality is that results vary from person to person. You may experience changes in pain levels or increased mobility following treatment, depending on your body’s response.

As with any therapy, Dry Needling may be effective for some individuals but not for others. Your therapist will assess your situation and recommend Dry Needling if they believe it would benefit you.

Dry Needling for Headaches

Combining Dry Needling with massage and manual therapy has proven highly effective in alleviating the frequency, intensity, and duration of headache.

Trigger points in the muscles can refer pain to the head, contributing to headaches. By targeting these trigger points with needles, we aim to deactivate or modify them, often eliciting a twitch response that may reproduce headache symptoms initially. However, this response ultimately helps reduce referred pain, promote blood flow, and improve range of motion. It’s worth noting that this process can leave muscles feeling fatigued.

The day after treatment, you may experience some soreness or minor bruising, which some describe as a “good pain.” However, individual reactions vary, and some may feel nothing at all.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Dry Needling for headache relief. While it’s not suitable for everyone, particularly those with a fear of needles, it remains a valuable and efficient treatment option for many.

Book your dry needling appointment in Healesville, by clicking the button below or give us a call, click here for contact details.