Medical Acupuncture, also known as “Dry Needling”, is the use of very fine, stainless steel, monofilament needles (the same as traditional acupuncture needles) which penetrate the skin to target underlying myofascial trigger points. 

By stimulating, releasing or deactivating trigger points and their surrounding muscle tissue, dry needling can decrease and relieve pain, increase range of motion and minimize myofascial trigger point irritability as well as generally reduce muscle tension. It can also normalise dysfunctions of the motor end plates, the sites at which nerve impulses are transmitted to muscles. 

So, what is a trigger point? A trigger point is a small area of a muscle where there is a contracture (severe tightness) within a muscle band that can disrupt function, restrict range of motion, refer pain or cause local tenderness. When pressure is applied to, or a needle is inserted into, a dysfunctional muscle or trigger point successfully, it may cause a little twitch (called a local twitch response) where the needle is inserted. This is great because when this happens, the muscle sends a message to the brain telling it that something’s irritating it. This stimulates the brain to release the natural painkillers (endorphins) which relieves the ‘irritation’ in the muscle and decreases the banding or tightness, increases blood flow, and reduces local and referred pain.   

Although the needle aspect may sound a little intimidating, it’s actually a safe and effective approach for treating and managing neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments, and it causes minimal discomfort. The technique is used by many different trained healthcare professionals including acupuncturists, massage therapists, physical therapists, osteopaths, chiropractors and physiotherapists and it can be used to treat most musculoskeletal issues. 

Due to its penetrative nature, it can be useful for small areas that are tricky to treat with hands, and stubborn areas that haven’t responded to other treatments. Although it can be, it’s rarely a stand-alone procedure and is more commonly incorporated into other physical therapy treatments.  

It’s important to note that dry needling is not the same as traditional ‘Chinese’ acupuncture. It uses similar tools, but that’s where the similarities end. Dry needling is performed by different practitioners with different training. Acupuncture is based on Eastern medicine and the ‘Qi’ energy flow and meridians, while dry needling is rooted in Western medicine and evaluation of pain patterns, posture, movement impairments, function and orthopaedic tests. 

I may suggest that we use this technique in your session if I feel it would be beneficial but I’m aware that not everybody is comfortable with needles. I’ll always discuss this with you and explain how it works to establish whether or not this is something you’re comfortable trying. Interestingly, most people can’t actually feel when the needle has gone in. You shouldn’t feel any pain but may experience a slight tightening feeling or pressure around the needle after a few minutes. Needles can be left in for a just a few moments, or (more often) up to around 10/15 minutes. 

If you’d like to try dry needling or have any questions please contact me.