Dry Needling

Dry needling is used to target trigger points, commonly found in tight, sore and weak muscles that have formed knots. These tight knots can reduce the length of the muscle, which in turn reduces the mobility and functionality of the joints these muscles move. If high loads are placed on these tight muscles, it can lead to injury. Dry needling allows us to quickly and effectively release the tight, painful knots in your muscles. This allows your muscles to effectively lengthen and contract through their full range of motion, rather than a reduced range.

Once we identify these knots (trigger points), we insert sterile fine acupuncture needles into them for a short time to “work out the knot”.

Dry Needling vs Acupuncture 

This is a commonly asked question. Although they may physically look similar, there are a number of key differences that separate the two. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine, that uses points around the body to restore chi and balance, helping to relieve pain or discomfort. 

Dry needling is based on Western medicine and is supported by evidence-based research to isolate and treat palpable trigger points. We use the same fine needles as acupuncture, however we target these muscular trigger points to release tension. This helps to restore the muscle to it's healthy functionality.  

What problems can it effectively treat

Common conditions we'll often use dry needling to help with include: 

• Achilles tendinopathy
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bursitis
• Heel spurs
• Iliotibial band syndrome
• Morton's Neuroma
• Sciatica
• Shin splints
• Stress fractures

Dry Needling can be used as a conjunctive therapy to treat any musculoskeletal condition. This means it can be highly effective in healing your pain when paired with other primary treatments such as custom orthotics, strengthening and stretching exercises and Shockwave Therapy.

Is dry needling painful?

The needles are very fine and it is common that you will only feel mild discomfort. However, it is common that you may feel twitches along the muscle — this is a good thing and completely normal as it means that the needles are releasing that small knot. 

It is rare to experience any major side effects from dry needling, however you may experience some mild side effects post treatment including:

• Minor bruising
• Bleeding
• Temporary soreness

Considerations

We recommend discussing your medical history with one of our podiatrists before commencing treatment, as there are a number of conditions and lifestyle factors that may make you not suitable to receive dry needling.

These conditions include:

• Allergy to metal 
  
• Pregnancy as there is a risk it can bring on labour
  
• Heart valve conditions
• Pacemaker
• Immunocompromised or auto-immune system illnesses
• Diabetes
• Organ transplant
• Epileptic
• Taking oral corticosteroids
• Bleeding disorders
• Blood borne diseases
• Any other medical history you might feel is relevant 
  

Discover our other services & treatments

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave is a new and advanced, non-invasive treatment for painful foot and leg problem like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, shin splints, knee pain & more.

Custom Orthotics

Custom foot orthotics are special shoe inserts that can help treat a number of common foot concerns. Our podiatrists recommend custom-made orthotics as these are designed specifically for your feet, helping to support the natural shape of your foot, and improve your overall posture and foot function.

PACT

Do you have a fungal nail infection? We recommend photodynamic therapy (PACT) as a great alternative to traditional nail lacquers and oral medications. It is a safe, effective, and pain-free treatment for your fungal nail issues.