Dry needling is a technique that can be used to help treat muscular conditions. A sterile, single-use, fine filament needle (acupuncture needle) is inserted into the muscle. Often, the insertion is accompanied by a muscle twitch. While it is usually more intense than massage, it can be effective in treating deeper muscles and with greater accuracy.
Dry needling is a technique that helps treat muscular conditions. A sterile, single-use, fine filament needle (acupuncture needle) is inserted into the muscle. Often, the insertion is accompanied by a muscle twitch. While it is usually more intense than massage, it can be effective in treating deeper muscles and with greater accuracy.
Acupuncture needles are used (the Chinese invented them looooooong ago), but it is a very different technique than acupuncture. Dry needling treatment is typically focussed on the muscle that is being needled, and not on meridians that run through the body.
Why would you choose to use dry needling?
I like to use needling as it is often faster (so you can treat a bigger area), more accurate, longer lasting and has a stronger effect than massage. There are also reasons you wouldn’t use needling: in pregnancy, needle phobia, or if someone is generally more sensitive. Physio treatment will combine a few different techniques, with needling just one option.
Want to know more?
Here are some links to longer articles about dry needling. If you have any specific question, do always ask your physio!