Trigger point dry needling also known as dry needling is used to target trigger points (myofascial trigger points), commonly found in tight, sore and weak muscles that have formed knots. These specific points of tight knots can reduce the length of the muscle, which in turn reduces the functionality and movement of soft tissue around the body. You may experience these tight knots as muscular tension or muscular aches. If high loads are placed on these tight muscles, it can lead to musculoskeletal conditions. Dry needling allows us to quickly and effectively release the muscle tightness and painful knots in your muscles. This allows muscles to effectively lengthen and contract through their full range of motion, rather than a reduced range. The improvement to the range of motion can be seen immediately after the treatment. Muscle relaxation is a delayed effect of dry needling.

How does it work and what to expect

The therapists will be gloved to ensure our clients' safety is paramount. Much like a massage, the therapists will use their hands to palpate the skin to identify these knots, they then apply an alcohol wipe to sterile the site of entry to prevent infection. Dry needling involves the insertion of a sterile fine acupuncture needle for a short time (usually five to ten seconds) to stimulate nerve fibres within the muscle that sends signals to and from the brain. The muscle receives a signal back by way of a soft tissue twitch response or spasms "work out the knot". As a general rule, the greater the twitch response the better the outcome. Like anything invasive, an inflammatory response soon follows which initiates the healing processes and relief of muscle tension is experienced

It is normal to experience a mild tingling or sharp sensation at the site of entry or referred sensation at another nearby location. The therapist will listen to you and base the treatment around your tolerance level. Temporary soreness may last for up to 24 hours but will be followed by muscular relaxation and pain relief.

The Evidence for Tigger Point Dry Needling

There have been a lot of evidence-based dry needling studies undertaken that have proven the effectiveness of dry needling.

Trigger Point 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 dry needling and acupuncture. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine, which uses points around the body to restore chi and balance, helping to relieve pain or discomfort. Medical doctors that specialize in traditional medicine usually do acupuncture.

Dry needling is based on Western medicine and is supported by evidence-based research to isolate and treat palpable a trigger point. We use the same fine needles as acupuncture, however dry needling involves targeting these muscular trigger points to release tension. This helps to restore the muscle to its healthy functionality.  

Dry needling can help with many different kinds of pain, including foot pain, knee pain, lower back pain, neck pain and shoulder pain.

Trigger Point Dry Needling vs Remedial Massage

Remedial massage is a massage technique used to treat musculoskeletal issues by applying sustained pressure using slow, deep strokes to target soft tissue structures of the musculoskeletal system. Both options aim to achieve the same outcome but dry needling is quicker, only lasting five to ten seconds. If you are after a quicker solution with immediate benefit then dry needling may appeal.

What Problems Can It Effectively Treat

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

• Achilles tendinopathy
• Bunions
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bursitis
• Hamstring tendinopathy or strains
• Heel spurs
• Iliotibial band syndrome
• Knee pain
• Lower back pain
• Muscle strains
• Morton's Neuroma
• Patella tendinopathy
• Quadriceps tendinopathy or strains
• Peroneal tendinopathy
• Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
• Sciatica
• Shin splints
• Stress fractures

Dry Needling can be used by itself or as an adjunct therapy to treat any musculoskeletal condition. This means it can be highly effective in healing your pain in conjunction with other primary treatments such as custom orthotics, foot mobilisation therapy, strengthening and stretching exercises and Shockwave Therapy.

Dry needling Considerations

We recommend discussing your medical history with one of our Brisbane based 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 

FAQs

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If you would like to talk to one of our team, visit us at one of two Brisbane based locations, CBD & Newmarket.

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