Considered one of the top treatments for alternative physiotherapy, dry needling sees each client assessed and then treated with small needles which are inserted into and removed from the target area.
Of course, you may be reading this and wondering exactly how dry needling differs from acupuncture. After all, with both using needles and considered valuable alternative therapies, they sound virtually impossible to most of our clients.
The difference between the two lies not in the practice itself but in its intention and underlying goal. Acupuncture is all about restoring wellness by balancing the hormones and flow of energy through the body, while dry needle therapy is more about targeting aches, pains, and injuries.
Let’s take a closer look at how it works and whether it’s right for you.
What is Dry Needle Therapy?
Dry needle therapy involves the insertion of very small needles around a target site, as identified during an initial assessment and diagnosis of your pain.
Called dry needling because no solution is used to treat the area, this treatment option is remarkably simple and taps into the core trigger points that affect and cause tightening and pain in different muscles and areas of the body. And because the needles are so small, treatment can be highly targeted and incredibly effective
Popular Uses of Dry Needle Therapy and Its Benefits
With that said, what exactly can be treated using dry needle therapy, and how do you know if it’s right for you?
The list of conditions that we have treated using this technique is comprehensive and covers everything from arthritis to fatigue, migraines, period pains, digestive disorders, and respiratory problems. This treatment has been known to alleviate pain and improve mobility almost instantly, by drawing blood supply back into the target area and therefore flushing away tension.
While some clients report instant relief and results, others require several sessions – however, whether offered as a standalone treatment or as part of a package of treatments, dry needling is efficient and highly effective.
3 Things to Ask Yourself Before Booking Dry Needle Therapy
Of course, as with any new treatment, there are things that you should consider before deciding if dry needling is right for you.
- Can you handle the discomfort of the needles being stuck into your skin? While dry needling does not hurt as such, it is uncomfortable for some – not to mention, having needles stuck in your skin creates a strange sensation.
- Do you need to factor in recovery time? Depending on your lifestyle and hobbies, it’s worth noting that dry needle therapy can lead to minor bruising and some stiffness immediately after treatment.
- How many sessions do you need? Some require just one burst of dry needle therapy while others need several sessions to unlock the benefits. This will be dependent on your issue and individual case.
Find out the answers to these questions and discover if dry needling is right for you, by getting in touch with the Faye Pattison team today.
