Dry Needling

At Creative Chiro, Dry Needling is not offered as a stand-alone appointment option. Rather, it may be used as part of your chiropractic treatment plan, where it is deemed appropriate by your practitioner and in conjunction with you.

 What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a treatment using a sterile, single-use, fine needle. Your fully trained and qualified practitioner inserts the needle directly into the muscle to release myofascial trigger points (knots in muscle), relieve pain and improve muscle function.

What is a Myofascial Trigger Point?

A myofascial trigger point occurs when muscle fibres that have shortened when activated do not lengthen back to a relaxed state after use, causing a sensitive nodule to develop in the muscle. Trigger points in a muscle can lead to discomfort with touch, movement and stretching, decreased joint motion, and even a temporary loss of coordination.

Is Dry Needling the same as acupuncture?

No, dry needling is not the same as acupuncture, although there are similarities between the two techniques. Dry needling has its origin in Western medicine and began when medical practitioners used a local anaesthetic to deaden nerves and take away pain caused by muscle spasm. During this treatment process the doctors noticed that there was a twitch that sometimes occurred while they were inserting the syringe needle and that these patients experienced a greater and longer lasting reduction in pain than the ones where no twitch response occurred. They attributed this twitch to the trigger point contracting very hard around the needle, which then allowed the body to recognise the spasm and cause a reflex relaxation that reset the muscle to its normal tone.

Thereafter, the doctors began experimenting with a plain, dry, syringe needle (without any fluid, or anaesthetic) and found that these patients still experienced the twitch when the needle was inserted into the centre of the trigger point. The relaxation of the trigger point, in turn, leads to the decompression of the local blood and nerve supply and helps to provide those muscle and nerve fibres with fresh oxygen and nutrients, thus flushing away any additional acidic chemicals, further assisting pain reduction. Later, dry needling began using acupuncture needles, due to the ability to insert them without causing pain as their diameter is far smaller than a syringe needle.

Thus, dry needling is primarily focused on reducing pain and restoring function through the release of myofascial trigger points in the muscle. Acupuncture, in comparison, focuses on treating medical conditions by restoring the flow of energy (Qi) through critical points in the body (meridians) to restore balance.

Is Dry Needling painful?

During a dry needling treatment, you may feel a mild sensation as the needle inserts and withdraws. Patients don’t report any discomfort during needle manipulation. A brief muscle twitch may occur during a dry needling treatment. This twitch may happen when the needle directly stimulates a myofascial trigger point.

Is Dry Needling Safe?

Every form of treatment can carry an associated risk. Your Chiropractor can explain the risks and determine whether dry needling is suitable for you based on your injury and general health.

What are the possible side effects of Dry Needling?

Everybody is different and can respond differently to various treatment techniques, including dry needling. In addition to the benefits that dry needling can provide, some side effects may occur including spotting or bruising, fainting, nausea, residual discomfort or even altered energy levels. However, these symptoms should last no longer than 24 to 48 hours after treatment.

Pricing

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

New Patient consultation, examination and treatment

Adults 88.00

Under 17 and Full-Time Students 55.00

Subsequent Treatments* (15-30 minutes)

Adults 42.00

Under 17 and Full-Time Students 35.00

*Please note if it is over two years since your last visit to the practice you will need a New Patient appointment

Our Free Assessment

Not sure if Chiropractic treatment is right for you?

At Creative Chiro we offer a free 30-minute pain assessment with one of our highly qualified Chiropractors. This will enable you to have the time to discuss the symptoms you have been having and for the practitioner to help identify if Chiropractic care is the best way forward for you.