Dry needling is a specialised form of treatment that City Physiotherapy uses to reduce pain and inflammation. Acupuncture needles and dry-needling techniques target myofascial trigger points to treat pain, muscle tension, injury, and dysfunction. Dry Needling treatment is highly effective, and you will often feel immediate pain relief as your muscles relax.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique that involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into trigger points or knots within muscles for pain treatment and relief. Unlike acupuncture, which is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, dry needling is grounded in Western medical principles and focuses on relieving musculoskeletal pain and improving function. The needles stimulate the muscles, releasing tension, reducing pain, and promoting healing using the dry needling method.
Do I Need a Separate Appointment for Dry Needling?
At City Physiotherapy, we make things easy for you. If your physiotherapist feels you will benefit from the treatment, they will discuss this with you. If you have given us consent to perform dry needling, you will receive the treatment within your physiotherapy appointment.
Depending on the problem area treated, several treatment sessions will often be required to settle some painful regions. Most people feel the benefits after their first physio dry needling treatment.
How Does it Work?
Needles are usually used to target painful trigger points in muscles. The penetration of the needle causes what is known as a ‘micro-trauma’. This increases blood flow and alters the chemical balance in the muscle, assisting with muscle relaxation and healing.
The stimulation of pain receptors also causes the body to release opioids (e.g. endorphins). These are natural pain-relieving chemicals in your brain. Their release provides further pain relief and relaxation of your muscles.
Your muscle may respond with a twitch to the needle stimulation. This is a highly effective form of physiotherapy treatment, and you often feel immediate benefits from this form of release. Your muscle releases tension and lengthens.
Substance P, a pain chemical in your body, and inflammatory chemicals are eliminated around your trigger point. Flushing out these nasty chemicals can provide longer-lasting pain relief.
Benefits of Dry Needling
Dry needling offers numerous benefits, making it a popular choice for those seeking relief from muscle pain and tightness. Some key benefits include:
- Pain Relief: Targeted treatment of trigger points can help alleviate chronic pain conditions.
- Improved Mobility: By releasing muscle tightness, dry needling enhances your range of motion and flexibility.
- Faster Recovery: Dry needling can accelerate healing, whether you’re recovering from an injury or dealing with ongoing muscle pain.
- Reduction in Muscle Tension: The technique effectively reduces muscle tension and spasms, helping you feel more relaxed and comfortable.
Common Injuries Treated with Dry Needling
- Sports Injuries
- Headaches & Migraine
- Tennis Elbow
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Achilles Tendonitis
- TMJ Pain
- Muscle Tears/Strains/Tightness
- Bursitis
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Arthritis
- Hip & Knee Pain
Dry Needling Near Me
Finding a trusted dry-needling service near you can make all the difference in your treatment journey. At City Physiotherapy, we are conveniently located and easily accessible, making it simple for you to receive ongoing care. Choosing a nearby clinic ensures you can maintain regular appointments and get the consistent treatment you need for the best outcomes.
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session
When you come in for a dry needling session at City Physiotherapy, you can expect a thorough consultation and assessment to understand your needs. You may feel a slight prick, a muscle twitch, or mild aching as the muscle releases tension. In most cases, patients don’t feel the dry needle inserted into the trigger point. After the session, we’ll provide post-treatment care advice to ensure optimal recovery.
Acupuncture and Dry Needling
Acupuncture is based on stimulating the flow of Chi (energy) through the body’s meridians. It is a well-known Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practice that uses the same needles. Although the needles used in both practices are the same, they serve different purposes.
Dry needling is based on anatomical and neurophysiological principles. While many of the ideas behind acupuncture are still applicable, the principles behind needling are very different.
Why Choose City Physiotherapy for Dry Needling?
All of the physiotherapists at City Physio have completed post-graduate training in advanced neuromuscular trigger point dry-needling treatment. Our physiotherapy clinic is a primary world-class education facility for teaching dry needling in Adelaide. We have been educating other physiotherapists, GPs, medical specialists, and podiatrists for 16 years.
Our knowledge and ongoing education in dry needling are of the highest standard, meeting AHPRA requirements for clinical dry needling education. Rest assured that you receive the best dry needling treatment in Adelaide at City Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic.
Get in Touch with City Physiotherapy
We’re here to help with all your physiotherapy needs at City Physiotherapy. Whether you have questions about our services, need advice on treatment options, or want to book an appointment, our friendly team is ready to assist you. You can reach us by phone at 8212 4886 during business hours or by email at info@cityphysiotherapy.com.au. For your convenience, you can also book appointments online using our simple booking system.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Is Dry Needling Safe?
Yes, it is very safe. Modern dry needling is based on current medical science and research, with a growing body of scientific evidence supporting the practice. Certain factors may make you unsuitable for dry needling treatment or require extra care (e.g., diabetes), but your physiotherapist at City Physiotherapy will consider these factors and keep you safe. All dry needles are sterile and used once before being disposed of safely in a medical sharps container. Our Physiotherapists have undergone post-graduate training in advanced neuromuscular trigger point dry needling treatment specialised dry needling training and have many years of expertise in applying dry needling treatment.
Is Dry Needling The Same As Acupuncture?
No. Dry needling is based on Western medicine principles and focuses on treating musculoskeletal pain, unlike acupuncture, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine.
Is Dry Needling Painful?
One of the main benefits of dry needling is the minimal discomfort during and after treatment, especially compared to alternatives like deep tissue massage. Post-treatment, there is usually little to no soreness, with any mild tightness or ache lasting only a day or two—far less than what is typically felt after other massage or soft tissue techniques.
How Many Dry Needling Sessions Will I Need?
The number of sessions varies depending on your condition and how your body responds to treatment. Some patients experience relief after just one session, while others may need several sessions for optimal results.
Can Dry Needling Be Combined With Other Treatments?
Absolutely. Dry needling is often combined with other physiotherapy treatments, such as manual therapy, exercise, and massage, to enhance overall recovery and effectiveness.
