Dry needling
A trigger point is a painful hard knot within a muscle fascia or a band of tight muscle fibres causing myofascial pain and reduced muscle function. Trigger points can be caused by muscle injury, imbalance, overload, or overuse and not stretching.
Dry needling is an effective method of releasing trigger points involving the identification of the trigger points and the insertion of a sterile, fine needle into the muscle trigger point. This creates nerve responsesfrom the body to stimulate the myofascial release of the muscle. Thus, allowing the muscle to return to its natural state/optimal function. Dry needling can be used in conjunction with a soft tissue massage treatment. Hence, ultimately reducing pain and optimizing muscle function and activity.
Indications
Dry needling is a useful therapy in the treatment of conditions which involve muscular dysfunction such as:
- Shin splints
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles Tendon pain
- Leg pain (hamstrings, thigh and calf muscles)
- Muscle spasms and cramping
- Recovery from physical exercise
Benefits
- Reduce muscle tightness & tension
- Increase ROM and blood flow to the area
- Reduce inflammation
- Relief muscular pain
- Reduce stiffness in a joint
Costs and Packages
Dry needling
$80
- Dry needles placed on muscles and trigger points of the affected area.
- Generally, 3 treatments for muscle tension reduction and pain relief.
- Calf dry needling every 2/3 months if muscles become tight is recommended.
Cupping
$80
- Skin prep for dry cupping application
- Suction cups placed on calf’s/hamstrings or treated area
- Generally, 3-5 sessions recommended a week a part.
- For best results cupping to be performed every 2-3 months if muscles become tight again
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I feel sore after dry needling?
It is common to feel sore and pain in the treated area for a couple of days after dry needling. Especially the first time and when the muscle is very tight.
Is dry needling different to acupuncture?
Dry needling and acupuncture both involve the use of very thin needles that are inserted into specific locations across the skin to trigger particular responses. Focusing on muscle stimulation by inserting the needles in tight areas or knots in muscles, dry needling aims to relieve tension and pain. On the other hand, acupuncture does not involve strong muscle stimulation and is rather based on a channel/energy theory and using particular points in the body to heal the injured area naturally.
Is dry needling safe?
Yes. Our podiatrists are highly trained and have attended further study to perform dry needling effectively and safely
Can dry needling be used to treat my heel pain?
Yes, dry needling is effective in treating heal pain and reducing inflammation.