What is dry needling and its benefits?
Dry needling is a therapy that uses solid filiform needles to provide relief for sore and aching muscles and joints.
In my practice I regularly get asked what exactly the benefits are when i suggest this therapy to patients.
There are several advantages to dry needling, with significant scientific support:
- Improving physical pain and discomfort – Dry needling targets trigger points (TP) across the body, starting a new healing process that should build better strands of muscle fiber, which are free of knots! This can decrease tension and reduce pain and muscle spasm; in both chronic and acute conditions.
- Increasing range of motion – as it decreases tension, dry needling allow patients to experience a renewed range of motion and flexibility. It also allows for greater activation and increased muscle fibre recruitment in the targeted muscle groups. This is especially helpful to athletes!
- Precision and accuracy – Due to the precise native of dry needling it easily targets dysfunction. This makes for accurate targeting of TP in the muscles, resulting in a precise release of muscle tension.
- Faster recovery – Due to the “wounding” effect of dry needling, the release of metabolic waste, including lactic acid, is optimised. This increases blood-flow and oxygen to the targeted areas, speeding up the healing process.
In my practice, I like to combine dry needling with other techniques (manipulation, soft tissue release etc) to create a therapeutic, effective and holistic treatment for the patient.
If you have any further questions of how dry needling may help you, please contact the clinic on 07951133697 or info@coombehouseclinic.co.uk
Stay well!
Fleur, Osteopath.